弟
弟·younger brother
- On-yomi
- テイダイ
- Kun-yomi
- おとうと
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 弟 | おとうと | younger brother |
| 兄弟 | きょうだい | siblings, brothers |
| 弟さん | おとうとさん | someone else's younger brother |
| 弟子 | でし | apprentice, disciple |
Example sentences
弟は今年、高校に入りました。
おとうとはことし、こうこうにはいりました。
My younger brother entered high school this year.
兄弟が何人いますか。
きょうだいがなんにんいますか。
How many siblings do you have?
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 弟子 as *おとうとこ instead of でし
- Using 弟さん for your own brother — for your own family say 弟
Memory aid
Picture it
A bow wrapped round and round with cord, ending in a small tail — the little one who comes after.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 弟 mean?