Meaning
The kanji 弟 primarily means "younger brother." This character is foundational for discussing family relationships in Japanese. While it most commonly refers to a male younger sibling, in broader contexts, it can also denote someone simply younger in a hierarchical relationship. Keep in mind that specific terms exist for younger sisters.
Its origin is interesting and a subject of debate among etymologists. It's often considered a phono-semantic compound or an ideogram that has undergone significant simplification over time. One prominent theory suggests it depicts a thread or a string being wound, symbolizing a sequential order, like younger siblings "following" older ones. Another theory posits it as a pictogram of a bowstring being tied, or even a simplified image of a person (like 弓 plus a variant of 卩 or 己). Under this view, the meaning of "younger brother" possibly derives from the order in which things are made or performed.
The visual shape, while not immediately obvious as a "younger brother" in its modern form, has been highly stylized. The top component sometimes relates to 弓 (bow), and the lower part to 巳 (snake/serpent) or 卩 (seal/kneel), but these are largely historical interpretations. For practical learning, it's best to associate the entire shape directly with its meaning. Avoid breaking it down into productive components that are no longer clearly visible. Ultimately, it conveys the idea of someone who comes after or is junior.
This kanji has a stroke count of 7 and is taught in the second grade of Japanese elementary school, making it a fundamental character for young learners. It's designated as an N4 level kanji, highlighting its importance for intermediate Japanese learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings derived from Chinese pronunciations and are often used when the kanji appears as part of a compound word (熟語).
テイ (TEI): This is the most common On'yomi for 弟. You'll frequently encounter it in formal and descriptive terms, especially when referring to siblings in general or an order of seniority.
兄弟 (kyōdai) — siblings, brothers and sisters (lit. older brother and younger brother).
子弟 (shitei) — children, disciples, pupils (referring to younger generation).
弟子 (deshi) — apprentice, disciple, pupil.
ダイ (DAI): The reading ダイ is less common than テイ, but you'll find it in some established compound words. These often have a slightly archaic or specialized feel.
門弟 (montei) — disciple, student (often in a traditional school or art).
末弟 (mattei) — youngest brother.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings, often used when the kanji stands alone or is followed by okurigana (送り仮名), which are kana suffixes that complete the word.
おとうと (otouto): This is the primary Kun'yomi for 弟, and it's the everyday word for "younger brother." We use it almost exclusively when referring to one's own younger brother or a specific younger brother.
私の弟 (watashi no otouto) — my younger brother.
弟さん (otouto-san) — (someone else's) younger brother (polite).
弟分 (otoutobun) — sworn younger brother, protégé.
Common Words & Compounds
To communicate fluently in Japanese, understanding 弟 in context is essential. Below are several common words and compounds, categorized for easier learning. They illustrate how this kanji integrates into various expressions.
Family & Relationship Terms
兄弟 (kyōdai) — siblings, brothers (literally "older brother and younger brother"). This is a very common term for all siblings.
姉弟 (shitei) — older sister and younger brother.
弟妹 (teimai) — younger brother and younger sister, younger siblings.
義弟 (gitei) — brother-in-law (younger brother of spouse or husband of younger sister).
実弟 (jitsutei) — one's own younger brother (to emphasize biological relationship).
Descriptive & Status Terms
末弟 (mattei) — youngest brother (often used for the absolute youngest in a family).
長弟 (chōtei) — oldest younger brother (the first brother after the first-born, if there are multiple younger brothers).
令弟 (reitei) — your (esteemed) younger brother (polite term used when referring to someone else's younger brother).
Apprenticeship & Follower Terms
弟子 (deshi) — apprentice, disciple, pupil (someone who follows a master).
門弟 (montei) — disciple, student (specifically within a school or sect, often traditional arts).
子弟 (shitei) — children, disciples, young people (collectively, often referring to those under tutelage).
Example Sentences
私の弟はまだ学生です。
Watashi no otouto wa mada gakusei desu.
My younger brother is still a student.
弟はいつも私の後を付いて回ります。
Otouto wa itsumo watashi no ato o tsuite mawarimasu.
My younger brother always follows me around.
彼には年下の弟が二人います。
Kare ni wa toshishita no otouto ga futari imasu.
He has two younger brothers.
その武道家は多くの弟子を持っていました。
Sono budōka wa ooku no deshi o motte imashita.
That martial artist had many disciples.
兄弟は小さい頃からよく喧嘩しましたが、とても仲良しです。
Kyōdai wa chiisai koro kara yoku kenka shimashita ga, totemo nakayoshi desu.
The brothers often fought when they were little, but they are very close.
私の弟は来年大学を卒業する予定です。
Watashi no otouto wa rainen daigaku o sotsugyō suru yotei desu.
My younger brother is scheduled to graduate from university next year.
彼の弟は有名な音楽家になりました。
Kare no otouto wa yūmei na ongakuka ni narimashita.
His younger brother became a famous musician.
末弟はいつも家族の皆から可愛がられています。
Mattei wa itsumo kazoku no minna kara kawaigararete imasu.
The youngest brother is always cherished by everyone in the family.
先生は新しい弟子を暖かく迎えました。
Sensei wa atarashii deshi o atatakaku mukaemashita.
The teacher warmly welcomed a new disciple.
Related Kanji
- 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)
- 妹 — Younger Sister (Kanji N4)
- 族 — Tribe, Clan, Family Group (Kanji N4)
- 早 — Early, Fast (Kanji N4)
- 味 — Taste, Flavor, Experience (Kanji N4)
- 自 — Self, Myself, Naturally, From (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To help remember 弟 (younger brother), try visualizing a story: Imagine the top part of the kanji as resembling a simplistic head and body, while the lower part evokes legs. The overall shape can be thought of as a younger person, perhaps a child, trailing behind someone. Alternatively, focus on the "bow" radical (弓) on the left side (which is modified to fit the top left part). Imagine a younger brother playing with a small toy bow and arrow, always a step behind his older sibling. The bottom part can be seen as a trailing string or knot, symbolizing something that comes "after." Think of the younger brother being "tied" to the older one's side, always following, emphasizing his junior position.