弟
younger brother, faithful service to elders
Readings
On'yomi
- テイ
- ダイ
- デ
Kun'yomi
- おとうと
Nanori
- て
Meaning
弟 centers on the junior male sibling relationship: a younger brother, and by extension the respectful, faithful service expected toward elders.
Most common words using 弟
20 of 84- 弟おとうとN5
younger brother; little brother; kid brother
- 兄弟きょうだいN5
brothers and sisters; siblings
- 弟子でしN1
pupil; disciple; adherent; follower; apprentice; young person; teacher's student-helper
- 従兄弟いとこN3
cousin (male)
- 義弟ぎてい
brother-in-law (spouse's younger brother or younger sister's husband)
- 師弟していN1
teacher and student
- 義兄弟ぎきょうだい
brother-in-law; stepbrother; sworn brother
- 従弟じゅうてい
cousin (younger male)
- 舎弟しゃてい
one's younger brother
- 子弟してい
children; sons; children and younger brothers
- 弟分おとうとぶん
sworn younger brother; junior male peer (in a club, group, etc.)
- 末弟ばってい
youngest brother
- 実弟じってい
biological younger brother
- 弟妹ていまい
younger brother and sister
- 兄弟子あにでし
senior pupil (of the same master); senior disciple; senior student; senior member
- 兄弟分きょうだいぶん
sworn brother; buddy; pal
- 再従兄弟はとこ
second cousin
- 徒弟とてい
apprentice
- 愛弟子まなでし
favorite pupil; favourite pupil; teacher's pet
- 門弟もんてい
disciple; pupil; follower
Study
Etymology
弟 originally depicted a cord or thong wrapped around a weapon or tool, later borrowed for 'younger brother' and extended to ideas of order and respect toward elders.
Meaning mnemonic
The top stroke 丿 looks like a protective older sibling, and the inner part 弚 resembles a smaller figure with a bowing head—a younger brother showing respect.
Reading mnemonic
For テイ, imagine a younger brother taking a tea break with his elder: tea -> テイ, and the faithful service is shown by serving tea.