悌
serving our elders
JLPTN1StatusJinmeiyōFrequencyTop 5,000Strokes10
Readings
On'yomi
- テイ
- ダイ
Kun'yomi
—
Nanori
- とも
- やす
- やすし
- よし
- ちか
Meaning
悌 centers on the respectful, devoted attitude of serving and caring for one's elders, especially within a family or hierarchical relationship.
Most common words using 悌
Study
Etymology
悌 combines 忄 (heart/mind) with 弟 (younger brother), suggesting the respectful, brotherly attitude expected when serving elders. The 弟 component likely contributes both sound and the idea of proper junior-senior relations.
Meaning mnemonic
The heart radical 忄 beside 弟 (younger brother) shows a younger person's heartfelt devotion to serving elders. Picture a younger brother with his heart set on respectfully caring for his older family members.
Reading mnemonic
For テイ, imagine a younger brother serving tea (ティー) to his elders: tea -> テイ, and the heart 忄 shows his respectful attitude.