Meaning

Primary

Younger Brother

Alternative

Little Brother

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

Reading

おとうと
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. When learning the kanji, you didn't learn that reading, so here's a mnemonic to help you with this word:

You look at your younger brother. He's a scheming one. He's smiling up at you. Why? Because he's lit a firecracker on your foot. It explodes, sending your toe flying. You yell "OH. Toe? TOE!" (おとうと) as you realize what's going on.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 弟が生まれる

    a younger brother is born

    弟がいる

    to have a little brother

    弟がする

    a younger brother does

Context Sentences

左の男の子がわたしの弟です。

The boy on the left is my brother.

弟は、テレビを見ません。

My brother doesn't watch TV.

弟と兄は声がそっくりです。

My younger brother and my older brother sound exactly the same.

Kanji Composition