Translation and Meaning of: 弟 - oto

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 弟 (oto) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: oto

Kana: おと

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

弟

Translation / Meaning: younger brother

Meaning in English: younger brother

Definition: A man who is younger than him.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (弟) oto

The Japanese word 「弟」 (oto) is used to designate someone's younger brother. This word is composed of two main components: the kanji 「弟」 and the reading in hiragana 「おと」. It is interesting to note that the alternative reading for the kanji 「弟」 can be "tei" in the context of on'yomi, but in everyday expression referring to a younger brother, we use the kun’yomi reading "oto".

The kanji 「弟」 by itself means "younger brother" and has a rich history in its formation. It is composed of a combination of three main elements: 「ノ」 (which resembles a hook or line), 「弓」 (bow), and 「丨」 (vertical stroke). The radical 「弓」 refers to a bow, the archer's instrument, and suggests the idea of something small or subordinate, reflecting the position of a younger brother within the traditional family structure.

The origin of this term dates back to ancient Japanese society, where the importance of hierarchy and family orders was heavily emphasized. The concept of younger and older siblings (twins were not common) was intrinsically linked to culture and traditions, where primogeniture played a crucial role. In this context, the word 「弟」 (oto) emerges not only as an anatomical reference but also as a representation of the family structure and social values of that time.

Synonyms and similar words

弟子 (Deshi) - Apprentice or disciple, especially in martial arts or crafts.
兄弟 (Kyoudai) - Brothers, referring to biological or chosen brothers.
幼弟 (Youdai) - Younger brother usually refers to a child.
末っ子 (Suekko) - Youngest son of the family.
肉親 (Nikushin) - Blood relative, someone from the same family.
従弟 (Joutei) - Younger brother by cousin.
下男 (Gedan) - Domestic worker, used in a historical context.
男児 (Danji) - Boy usually refers to a male child.
弟分 (Otobun) - An individual who considers themselves or is considered a younger brother.
弟さん (Otōsan) - Endearing term for referring to a younger brother.
弟くん (Otōkun) - A warm and friendly term to refer to a younger brother.
弟子供 (Deshikodomo) - Children disciples, references to young apprentices.
弟弟子 (Otodeshi) - Younger disciple, referring to someone who became an apprentice after someone else.
弟っ子 (Otokko) - A childlike or affectionate way to refer to a younger brother.
弟兄 (Dai-kyō) - Older brothers, referring in a more formal way.
弟君 (Otō-kun) - Respectful term to refer to a younger brother.
弟上がり (Otoagari) - Individual who rose in position compared to other siblings while being younger.
弟子入り (Deshiiri) - Apprenticeship process.
弟子入門 (Deshi nyūmon) - Formal entry into an apprenticeship system.
弟子修行 (Deshi shugyō) - Apprentice training, specifically in a trade or craft.
弟子育成 (Deshi ikusei) - Development and creation of apprentices.
弟子奉公 (Deshi hōkō) - Service provided by a disciple in exchange for learning.
弟子見習い (Deshi minarai) - Learning stage, observing a master.
弟子制度 (Deshi seido) - Disciple system, formal learning structure.
弟子待遇 (Deshi taigu) - Conditions offered to apprentices.
弟子給与 (Deshi kyūyo) - Compensation of an apprentice.
弟子教育 (Deshi kyōiku) - Education and training of disciples.
弟子賃金 (Deshi chingin) - Salary or payment of an apprentice.
弟子採用 (Deshi saiyō) - Hiring of apprentices.
弟子研修 (Deshi kenshū) - Training and preparation of apprentices.
弟子募集 (Deshi boshu) - Recruitment of disciples or apprentices.
弟子試験 (Deshi shiken) - Exam or test for apprentices.
弟子就職 (Deshi shūshoku) - Job related to apprentices at the end of the training.

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Words related

弟子

teishi

student; disciple; adherent; follower; apprentice; young; Teacher

兄弟

kyoudai

siblings

従兄弟

itoko

cousin cousin

兄

ani

older brother

甥

nephew

Words with the same pronunciation: おと oto

パイロット

pairoto

pilot

足元

ashimoto

1. At someone's feet; under the feet; 2. Step; rhythm; to walk

与党

yotou

Government Party; ruling (dominant) party; government

物音

monooto

sounds

物事

monogoto

things; all

元

moto

origin

基

motoi

base

基づく

motoduku

be reasoned; be based; to be due to

求める

motomeru

to search for; request; demand; to wish; to wish; to search for; seek (pleasure); hunt (a job)

元々

motomoto

originally; by nature; from the beginning

How to Write in Japanese - (弟) oto

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (弟) oto:

Example Sentences - (弟) oto

Below are some example sentences:

私は弟子を育てることが好きです。

Watashi wa deshi o sodateru koto ga suki desu

I like to train disciples.

I like to raise my disciples.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun meaning "I"
は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
弟子 (deshi) - substantivo que significa "discípulo"
を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
育てる (sodateru) - verb meaning "to create" or "to educate"
こと (koto) - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
が (ga) - particle that marks the subject of the sentence
好き (suki) - adjective meaning "to like"
です (desu) - verb that indicates the existence or state of something, equivalent to the verb "ser" or "estar" in Portuguese

私の弟はとても可愛いです。

Watashi no otouto wa totemo kawaii desu

My younger brother is very cute.

My brother is very cute.

私 (watashi) - means "I" in Japanese
の (no) - particle that indicates possession or belonging
弟 (otouto) - It means "younger brother" in Japanese.
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "my younger brother"
とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
可愛い (kawaii) - adjective meaning "cute" or "pretty"
です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate a statement or formality