長兄

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: It is read ちょうけい. 長 contributes eldest and 兄 an older brother, forming a word for the eldest brother.
• Basic usage: It describes the order among brothers, as when the second brother takes over care while the eldest is away.
  • 長兄が家を離れていた間は、次兄が祖父の世話をしていた。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The eldest brother versus the eldest sibling
  • 長兄 identifies the eldest brother and does not establish whether there is an older sister.