Definitions
(noun)
younger brother
(pronoun)
I (humble)
Etymology
Pictograph of a rope neatly wrapped around a weapon handle. Based on the original meaning "orderly". The meaning later shifted to "next in sequence" (now written as 第) and "younger brother".
About
The character 弟, which remains unchanged between traditional and simplified systems, originates from a pictographic representation of a sequence, depicting an object wrapped with cord or leather thongs around a vertical stand. This imagery of orderly binding gave rise to its core meaning of sequence or order, particularly among male siblings born from the same parents. Over time, its primary semantic focus narrowed specifically to denote a younger brother, embodying the concept of a later-born male within a family hierarchy. This familial sense was then extended metaphorically into broader social and philosophical contexts, giving rise to terms like 弟子 (disciple), where it conveys a sense of humility and junior standing within a teacher-student relationship, and informing its use in classical texts regarding fraternal duty and respect.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他是我的弟弟。
弟弟在玩游戏。
我和弟弟是兄弟。
弟弟喜欢看动画片。
我的弟弟每天练习钢琴。
昨天弟弟帮我打扫了房间。
弟弟虽然年轻，但很有想法。
弟弟的未来计划是出国留学。