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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
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Pictograph of a rope wrapped around a weapon. Relation to current meaning "younger brother" unclear.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 弟? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 弟?
Decomposition of 弟
IDS Structure⿱丷⿻弓？
弟Full Character
=
丷ha5
top
弓Gong1
outer
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 弟?
How to say younger brother in Chinese
“younger brother” in Chinese is弟dì
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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Practice writing 弟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
