弟

音読おんよみ: テイ・ダイ・デ

訓読くんよみ: おとうと

画数かくすう: 7

部首ぶしゅ: 弓(ゆみ)

Meaning

Younger brother

  • 兄弟きょうだい — siblings / brothers
  • 弟子でし — disciple / pupil
  • 実弟じってい — biological younger brother
  • 義弟ぎてい — younger brother-in-law
  • 弟分おとうとぶん — junior / younger companion
  • 師弟してい — teacher and student

弟 originally showed a hand tying a bundle, symbolizing order or position — later representing a younger male in a group or family.

It’s used for siblings and for someone in a junior role, like a disciple or mentee.

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