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March 24, 2026
弟dì(di4)
弟 (dì) refers to a younger brother or junior male, commonly used in familial contexts. It can also serve as a modest term for 'I' in letters, particularly in traditional or formal writing. This character emphasizes relationships and hierarchy within families and social structures.
Strokes7Radical弓Frequency#7521DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of brotherhood is significant, often emphasized in Confucian teachings where family hierarchy and respect for elders are paramount. The use of 弟 reflects the importance of familial relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a younger brother (弟) who is always looking up to his older siblings. The character is made up of the radical for 'child' (子) at the bottom, indicating a familial connection, and the top part resembles a roof, symbolizing home. Picture this younger sibling waiting under the roof of their house.
Meanings of 弟
dì(di4)
primary
1younger brother
2junior male
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About 弟
弟Simplified
7Strokes
弓Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7521Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1TOCFLL1YCTL1
Podcast: 弟
Podcast: 弟
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AI Study Notes for 弟
Quick Contrast
弟 (dì) vs 兄 (xiōng) — use 弟 for younger brother and 兄 for older brother.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 弟 in formal contexts, as it can imply a specific family hierarchy. Common collocations include 弟弟 (dìdì), which directly means 'younger brother.' Ensure you use the correct tone (fourth tone) to avoid confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
弟 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists but is relevant for learners at HSK 2 and above due to its familial context. Focus on related terms like 兄 (xiōng - older brother) and 姐 (jiě - older sister) to better understand familial terms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 弟 (dì) with its variant 悌 (tì), which relates to brotherly love rather than direct familial relationships. Always remember that 弟 specifically means 'younger brother' and should be used in contexts referring to age or hierarchy.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弟
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How Well Do You Know 弟?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 弟 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
弟 (dì) refers to a younger brother or junior male, commonly used in familial contexts. It can also serve as a modest term for 'I' in letters, particularly in traditional or formal writing. This character emphasizes relationships and hierarchy within families and social structures.
When to use 弟
Be cautious when using 弟 in formal contexts, as it can imply a specific family hierarchy. Common collocations include 弟弟 (dìdì), which directly means 'younger brother.' Ensure you use the correct tone (fourth tone) to avoid confusion with other words.
弟 or something close to it
弟 (dì) vs 兄 (xiōng) — use 弟 for younger brother and 兄 for older brother.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 弟 (dì) with its variant 悌 (tì), which relates to brotherly love rather than direct familial relationships. Always remember that 弟 specifically means 'younger brother' and should be used in contexts referring to age or hierarchy.
Write 弟
弟
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Grammar Patterns of 弟
弟 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
