Meaning and Usage
"姉妹" (しまい) primarily means "sisters," referring to female siblings. It is commonly used in family contexts to talk about one's sisters.
Extended Uses
Besides family, "姉妹" is also used metaphorically to describe close relationships between entities, such as "姉妹都市" (sister cities), which are paired cities in different regions or countries that promote cultural and economic ties.
Common Collocations
- 姉妹がいる: to have sisters
- 姉妹都市: sister cities
- 姉妹校: sister schools (schools with a partnership)
Register and Nuance
"姉妹" is neutral and polite, suitable for both casual and formal contexts. It specifically refers to female siblings; for brothers, "兄弟" is used.
Learner Tips
A common confusion is mixing "姉妹" with "兄弟". Remember, "姉妹" means sisters (female siblings), while "兄弟" means brothers or siblings in general. Use "姉妹" only when referring to female siblings or metaphorical pairs labeled as "sisters."