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弟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
弟
dì
younger brother
HSK 1, n, 7 strokes, radical 弓, rank #7521, Easy
弟
dì
junior male
HSK 1, n, 7 strokes, radical 弓, rank #7521, Easy
弟
dì
I (modest word in letter)
HSK 1, n, 7 strokes, radical 弓, rank #7521, Easy
弟
dì
young brother, junior
HSK 1, n, 7 strokes, radical 弓, rank #7521, Easy
弟
tì
younger brother
HSK 1, n, 7 strokes, radical 弓, rank #7521, Easy
弟
tì
junior male
HSK 1, n, 7 strokes, radical 弓, rank #7521, Easy
弟
tì
I (modest word in letter)
HSK 1, n, 7 strokes, radical 弓, rank #7521, Easy
弟
tì
young brother, junior
HSK 1, n, 7 strokes, radical 弓, rank #7521, Easy
dì(di4)di
primary
T4
1younger brother
2junior male
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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
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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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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.
