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
弟 originally depicted a rope neatly wound in successive layers around a weapon handle. The orderly progression of the wraps made it a natural symbol for orderliness. From this, the character developed the abstract sense "next in sequence", a meaning later given to the new graph 第, formed by adding the bamboo radical (竹) atop 弟. The original 弟 was then borrowed to mean "younger brother", the male sibling coming after another in birth order. Its usage then expanded to cover junior male relatives, male apprentices, and younger male colleagues within professional or religious organizations.
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。
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