弟
otōtonoun★Beginner
formalinformal
Younger brother
私の弟は小学生です。
My younger brother is an elementary school student.
弟はサッカーが好きです。
My younger brother likes soccer.
💡
Used to refer to one's own younger brother or someone else's younger brother.
Collocations
弟さんyounger brother (polite)弟子apprentice or disciple (different kanji but similar pronunciation)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
弟がいるphrase
to have a younger brother
弟思いphrase
brotherly love (someone who cares for their younger brother)
💡Pro Tip
Polite Usage
When referring to someone else's younger brother, use '弟さん' to be polite.
⚡Gold Rule
Family Terms
In Japanese, family terms like 弟 are often used with possessive particles (e.g., 私の弟) to clarify who you're referring to.
📖Word Origin
The kanji 弟 consists of '兄' (older brother) and '小' (small), literally meaning 'smaller brother'.
📝Usage Notes
When referring to someone else's younger brother, it's common to add 'さん' for politeness.
Word Breakdown
兄
older brother
root小
small
root✎ Noted on May 2, 2026JA → EN