- 兄弟 — siblings / brothers
- 弟子 — disciple / pupil
- 実弟 — biological younger brother
- 義弟 — younger brother-in-law
- 弟分 — junior / younger companion
- 師弟 — 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.
