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弟

otōto
noun★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
和英辞典

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