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A phono-semantic compound rooted in Confucian thought, 悌 combines the heart radical 忄 (emotions, inner feelings) with 弟 ('younger brother'), which supplies both the pronunciation and part of the meaning. It denotes the virtue of brotherly love, the respect and affection a younger brother owes his older brother within the traditional family hierarchy. Often paired with filial piety (孝), 悌 describes a foundational duty that shapes proper conduct in the household and broader society.
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