弟

JLPT N4

Younger brother

Readings

On’yomi: テイ, ダイ (tei, dai)

Kun’yomi: おとうと (otouto)

• おとうと – younger brother

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

弟

おとうと

younger brother

弟分

おとうとぶん

junior/ subordinate/ younger companion

弟子

でし

pupil/ apprentice

兄弟

きょうだい

siblings/ brothers and sisters

義弟

ぎてい

brother-in-law (younger brother of spouse)

Example Sentences

私には弟が二人います。, 彼は私の弟分です。, 彼は有名な師匠の弟子です。, 兄弟で旅行に行きます。, 義弟は優しい人です。

わたしにはおとうとがふたりいます。, かれはわたしのおとうとぶんです。, かれはゆうめいなししょうのでしです。, きょうだいでりょこうにいきます。, ぎていはやさしいひとです。

I have two younger brothers., He is like a junior to me., He is an apprentice of a famous master., We are going on a trip as siblings., My brother-in-law is a kind person.

Cultural Note

👦 弟 reflects family hierarchy and relationships in Japan:
• Japanese culture places importance on birth order and respect between siblings.
• Older siblings (兄 / あに) are traditionally responsible for younger siblings (弟 / おとうと).
• Kanji like 兄弟 and 弟子 highlight learning, apprenticeship, and familial/social hierarchy.