uncle (father's younger brother)
Archaic term for one's father's younger brother. In modern Japanese, 叔父 is usually read おじ. The reading おとおじ is historical and rarely encountered outside classical texts or explanations.
See also: 伯父 (えおじ)
古文では「おとおじ」は父の弟を指す。
In classical Japanese, おとおじ refers to one's father's younger brother.
The modern reading おじ is used for both father's younger brother and uncle in general, without the archaic age distinction.
Standard kanji spelling for this archaic term.
Alternate kanji form, rarely used.
The reading おとおじ is composed of おと (younger) + おじ (uncle), reflecting an older distinction between father's older and younger brothers. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is now obsolete.