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弟
younger brother · apprentice · disciple
N4On: てい、だい、でKun: おとうと
Memory Aid
The kanji 弟 originally depicted a bound string, representing things that are in 'order' or 'sequence'. A younger brother is someone who comes after, in sequence.
'Tei' — imagine a younger brother always getting 'TIED' to his older sibling's plans and activities.
The top part resembles 弓 (bow). Below it, strokes suggest a series of knots or a younger person following closely, as if tied to the 'bowstring' of their family.
Vocabulary
弟おとうとyounger brother
兄弟きょうだいsiblings, brothers
弟子でしapprentice, disciple
Example Sentences
私の弟は高校生です。
My younger brother is a high school student.
兄弟はみんな背が高い。
All the siblings are tall.
先生の弟子になる。
To become a teacher's apprentice.
彼は私の二番目の弟です。
He is my second younger brother.