弟 (dì) - younger brother & junior

弟Tone 4

dì ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 弓

橙丁

弟 · dì

younger brother;

junior;

disciple;

used in polite self-reference;

sequence indicator

younger brotherjuniordisciple

Usage highlights

younger brotherbrothersdisciplejunior apprentice brotheryounger male cousinbrotherly love

Synonyms

  • 兄弟— brothers (collective term)
  • 弟弟— younger brother (specific)
  • 弟子— disciple, student

Antonyms

  • 兄— elder brother
  • 哥— elder brother (colloquial)
  • 姐— elder sister

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • My younger brother (弟弟) is very smart.
  • He is my junior apprentice brother (师弟).
  • In ancient times, brothers were ranked as elder and younger (兄弟).
  • This is my younger sister (妹妹, female equivalent).

Collocations

  • younger brother(弟弟)
  • brothers(兄弟)
  • disciple(弟子)
  • junior apprentice brother(师弟)
  • younger male cousin(堂弟/表弟)
  • brotherly love(弟情)

Idioms

  • Fraternal love and respect(兄友弟恭)
  • Brothers are like hands and feet(兄弟如手足)
  • Recognize one's junior status willingly(甘拜下风 as 甘拜下弟)
  • Brothers in arms(难兄难弟)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Confucian ethics, the younger brother should show respect and obedience to the elder brother.
  • Used in Buddhist and Daoist contexts to refer to disciples or junior members of a religious community.
  • Sometimes used in classical Chinese as a humble self-reference, especially in letters.

FAQ