弟
[o̞to̞ːto̞]
The Japanese phrase for little brother is 弟.
In Japanese, you use different words for siblings based on their age relative to you. 弟 specifically denotes a younger brother. 弟 is the most common and neutral term for little brother in Japanese.
Which one should you use?
Use 弟 when referring to your own little brother, but use 弟さん when referring to someone else's little brother. Adding -ちゃん to 弟 expresses endearment and familiarity.
Did you know?
- The term 弟分 'otoutobun' uses the word for little brother to describe a junior member of a gang or a protégé in a mentor relationship.
- The kanji for 弟 is also used in the word for 'disciple' or 'student', linking the concept of a younger person to one who learns from a senior.
- While 弟 means little brother, the word 弟弟子 'otouto-deshi' refers to a fellow student who started studying under the same master later than you.
Examples in context
- 弟のトムです。This is my little brother, Tom.This is useful for introducing your brother, Tom, using 弟.Tatoeba #11052194 by small_snow, translation #9194436 by DJ_Saidez
- 弟さんはどこ？Where's your little brother?This is useful for asking the location of someone else's brother using 弟.Tatoeba #11760810 by small_snow, translation #11827824 by nana2capriccio
- 弟が描きました。My little brother drew it.This is useful for describing an action performed by your brother using 弟.Tatoeba #125466 by KK_kaku_, translation #10768093 by end
- おとうとは元気ですか？How is your little brother doing?
- 田中さんのおとうとはとても頭がいいですね。Tanaka-san's little brother is very smart, isn't he?
- おとうとちゃん、遊ぼうよ！Let's play, little bro!
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about their families at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんの弟さんは元気ですか？Ren-san no otouto-san wa genki desu ka?Is your little brother doing well, Ren?
- 蓮 Renはい、弟は毎日サッカーをしています。Hai, otouto wa mainichi sakkaa o shite imasu.Yes, my little brother plays soccer every day.
- 美咲 Misaki私の弟もサッカーが大好きです。Watashi no otouto mo sakkaa ga daisuki desu.My little brother loves soccer, too.
- 蓮 Renそれは面白いですね。Sore wa omoshiroi desu ne.That is interesting.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 弟, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
