How to Say ‘I have one older brother.’ in Japanese
兄が一人います。
ani ga hitori i masu
[AH-nee ga hee-TOH-ree i mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: The number of people goes after が, right before います. Also 弟が二人います "I have two younger brothers".
Phrase Breakdown
兄が
ani ga
my older brother
兄 ('ani') means my own older brother. が ('ga') marks the subject.
兄が来ます。
My older brother is coming.
Words in this phrase
兄
ani
[AH-nee]
older brother (my own)
Used for your own older brother when talking to others.
兄は会社員です。
My older brother is an office worker.
が
ga
[ga]
subject marker
A particle marking the subject of the sentence.
興味がある分野を教えてください。
Please tell me the field you are interested in.
一人います。
hitori i masu
I have one
一人 ('hitori') means one person. います ('imasu') means 'there is / I have' for people. The 'i' in 'hi' is soft.
姉が一人います。
I have one older sister.
Words in this phrase
一人
hitori
[hee-TOH-ree]
one person
The number one used with people.
一人で準備します。
I'll prepare it alone.
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
[mahs]
polite present/future ending
ます makes a verb polite in present or future statements.
予約します。
I will make a reservation.
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 feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
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 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