弟
[o̞to̞ːto̞]
In Japanese, the phrase for "little brother" is 弟.
The term 弟 is used to refer to a male sibling who is younger than the speaker.
Which one should you use?
You should use 弟 when referring to your own little brother. However, when you are talking about someone else's little brother, you should use the polite form 弟さん.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, you would never call your own little brother 弟 to his face. Instead, you use his given name or a nickname.
- In many Japanese subcultures, such as martial arts or clubs, the concept of a 'little brother' is extended to any younger male member, regardless of blood relation, using terms derived from this sibling hierarchy.
- The word 弟 is actually a contraction of a much longer ancient phrase that originally included the word for 'person'.
Examples in context
- 弟のトムです。This is my little brother, Tom.This sentence is useful for introducing your little brother using 弟.Tatoeba #11052194 by small_snow, translation #9194436 by DJ_Saidez
- 弟さんはどこ？Where's your little brother?This sentence shows how to ask about someone else's little brother using the polite form.Tatoeba #11760810 by small_snow, translation #11827824 by nana2capriccio
- 弟が描きました。My little brother drew it.This sentence is useful for describing an action performed by your little brother using 弟.Tatoeba #125466 by KK_kaku_, translation #10768093 by end
- 私の弟は学校に行っています。My little brother is going to school.
- 弟さんはお元気ですか？How is your younger brother doing?
- 弟様にご挨拶させてください。Please allow me to greet your young brother.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daito and Himari are talking about family photos.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの写真は弟と一緒に撮ったものです。Kono shashin wa otouto to issho ni totta mono desu.This photo was taken with my little brother.
- 陽葵 Himari弟さんは今、学生ですか？Otouto-san wa ima, gakusei desu ka?Is your little brother a student now?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、大学生になりました。Hai, daigakusei ni narimashita.Yes, he became a college student.
- 陽葵 Himariそれはいいですね。Sore wa ii desu ne.That's nice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 弟, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 弟, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
