Japanese · Family & People
妹
imouto
Younger sister
Intermediatenoun
Definition
Refers to a younger sister. Like 弟, it is used both in direct reference and when speaking to others.
Example
妹はピアノが上手です。
My younger sister is good at piano.
Etymology
'妹' (imouto) originates from Old Japanese, where it referred specifically to younger sisters and was influenced by social structures emphasizing kinship roles.
How & Where It’s Used
'妹' (imouto) is primarily used in informal contexts, often between family members or close friends, and has a warm connotation. It is commonly used in both spoken and casual written Japanese.