As every fan of manga and anime we have heard endless phrases and words that we can identify from reading or hearing them, such as Onii-chan, but for those who are still starting in this peculiar world and want to know more about the term and why it has become so popular even outside its place of Japanese origin, we bring you a small review of the word that today is a trend among fans.
The great popularity of the Onii-chan in anime
This word is one of the most used in anime and to tell the truth its pronunciation sounds so good that it is one of the reasons why it is so popular among fans, but the most important thing is not only that you get to hear it well, but if you know what the meaning is, it is even better and some fans have wondered about its popularity. First you should know that it should be written with double i, with a single i you will be saying oni, which means demon or ogre in Japanese.
So, Onii-chan (お兄ちゃん) regularly refers to the older brother, while onii is brother, the added chan is used only people who hold each other in high esteem and are close, plus it can also be said that it also functions as a diminutive, so it is an element of affection. Onii-chan is used by younger sisters or even younger girls who view an older boy with such respect and affection as to call them that.
Onii-chan is used for both relatives who are related by a bloodline and those who are not, but see each other that way. Although sometimes this can vary a bit, as in some anime we also see this become a kind of fantasy, when older boys wish to be called that way by beautiful girls younger than themselves and accompanied by a shy but cute expression.
Undoubtedly it is a very popular trend worldwide, so much so that the term has reached other latitudes, and you wonder what would happen if it is taken to the third world, and Peru was not left behind and as one of the most otaku countries, surprised us once again with one of its occurrences when a contest was held to find out who was the girl who said the best Onii-chan.
This term had more relevance when the anime Onii-chan dakedo Ai sae Areba Kankei Nai yo ne! was released, where the sibling relationship is too “strong” after being separated for some years, and the older sister always addresses her brother with adoration with the phrase: “Ever since I was born I have loved my onii-chan“, which thanks to the internet became viral and the term became popular.
With the overwhelming growth of the internet, Onii-chan quickly spread on the web and took over many memes that included it, as well as videos. This expression is also used especially by girls when they see older guys as someone attractive and therefore as a love interest who is always there or arrives at the right time to protect them at all costs.
Something like a platonic love that somehow they may see as impossible because of the difference in age and interests, but sometimes there are stories that show us that this relationship is possible. In anime we can identify a few popular Onii-chan, among them: Kinomoto Touya from Sakura Cardcaptor, Tanjiro Kamado from Kimetsu no Yaiba, Tatsuya Shiba from The Irregular at Magic High School, among others. Let us know if you already knew what Onii-chan means and which others you remember.
