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 originated as a pictograph depicting rope wound sequentially around a spool or stick, conveying the concept of ordered progression. This meaning later shifted to the character 第, formed by adding the bamboo radical. Due to its implication of sequential order, 弟 was borrowed to represent a younger brother born after an older sibling. It came to denote younger male siblings, junior relatives, apprentices, and junior male associates in professional or religious contexts.
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。