If a little boy says: おおきい おにいちゃんに あめを もらった。what does that mean?
a. A fat boy gave him a lolly.
b. A tall boy gave him a lolly.
c. An older boy gave him a lolly.
d. Any of the above.
e. None of the above.
The answer is d.
おおきい is usually remembered as “big” but what it actually means is that the subject is exceeding the standard (or the object compared) in size, area, height, number, scale, etc, so it can be translated like, “old,” “fat/thick,” “high/tall,” “wide/spacious,” “long,” etc.
おにいちゃん/おにいさん is usually taught as an older brother, but colloquially it means “a big (= more mature than not) boy” or “a young man.” If he is perceived a bit older than that, he will be called おじちゃん/おじさん even if he is not related at all.
Thus, it was a big shock to me when I got called おばちゃん instead of おねえちゃん for the first time, even though we are all well aware that kids call other kids’ mum おばちゃん regardless how young or old they look.
So, any of a, b or c can be correct.
If you liked this article, please share it with your friends using the social media buttons below.
Also, your clicks on ads on this page help covering the cost of running this website. Your support will be much appreciated.