How to Say ‘I have one older brother.’ in Japanese
兄が一人います。
ani ga hitori i masu
[AH-nee gah hee-toh-ree i mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: For people, use います, not あります. The count goes right before it: 姉が二人います "I have two older sisters".
Phrase Breakdown
兄
ani
[AH-nee]
(my) older brother
Humble word for your own older brother.
兄は東京で働いています。
My older brother works in Tokyo.
が
ga
[gah]
subject marker
が marks what “came out”: “The results (are what) came out.” Natural for announcements from staff/doctor.
けっかがでましたので、説明します。
Since the results are out, I’ll explain.
一人
hitori
[hee-toh-ree]
one person
Refers to one person in a group. Useful when explaining one guest's dietary restriction.
一人は魚が食べられません。
One person cannot eat fish.
い
i
[i]
be; exist
Part of 〜ている, showing an ongoing action or continuing state.
お待ちし てい ます。
I am waiting.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite non-past ending
Polite verb ending used in present or non-past forms.
対応したことがありますか。
Have you ever dealt with it?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager