What is the meaning and reading of the kanji "弟"?

The kanji "弟" belongs to JLPT N4 and means "Younger brother". Its Onyomi is "テイ (tei), ダイ (dai)" and Kunyomi is "おとうと (otōto)".

JLPT N4

弟

Younger brother

Q: Is there a memory mnemonic for "弟"?

Yes! Radical breakdown: "弓 (bow) + 厶 (private, self, or a folded knee)". Mnemonic Story: "Imagine your **younger brother** (弟) as a tiny archer, struggling to hold a mighty **bow** (弓). He's so small, his knees are **bent** (厶, like a tiny person crouching or a folded knee) from the effort, but he's determined to impress! He's a bow-legged little warrior."

Onyomi

テイ (tei), ダイ (dai)

Kunyomi

おとうと (otōto)

🧠 Memory Mnemonic

🔍 Radical Breakdown

弓 (bow) + 厶 (private, self, or a folded knee)

📖 Mnemonic Story

Imagine your **younger brother** (弟) as a tiny archer, struggling to hold a mighty **bow** (弓). He's so small, his knees are **bent** (厶, like a tiny person crouching or a folded knee) from the effort, but he's determined to impress! He's a bow-legged little warrior.

💡 Quick Hint: Bow-legged archer

Essential N4 Vocabulary

弟

おとうと

Younger brother

兄弟

きょうだい

Siblings

弟子

でし

Disciple

Kanji Practice Quiz

Verify your memory for "弟"

私には＿＿＿＿＿が一人います。

🎉 正解 / Correct!

解説: 弟の訓読みは「おとうと」です。
English: The kunyomi for younger brother is 'otōto'.

🦅

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