弟弟
younger brother
弟弟 30秒で
- Means 'younger brother' in Chinese.
- Pronounced with a 4th tone then a neutral tone (dìdi).
- Omit '的' (de) when saying 'my younger brother' (我弟弟).
- Can be used as slang for 'noob' or a cute younger guy.
The Chinese word 弟弟 (dìdi) primarily refers to a younger brother. In traditional Chinese kinship, age and generation are meticulously distinguished, making 弟弟 a fundamental vocabulary word for beginners. Understanding this word is essential not only for describing one's own family but also for navigating broader social relationships in Chinese culture.
- Literal Meaning
- Younger male sibling.
这是我的弟弟。
Beyond the literal blood relation, the term is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of China. Due to the historical emphasis on family hierarchy, a younger brother is traditionally expected to respect his older siblings (哥哥, 姐姐), while the older siblings are expected to protect and care for him. This dynamic is a microcosm of Confucian values regarding familial duty and harmony.
In modern contexts, especially with the legacy of the One-Child Policy, many Chinese people grew up without biological siblings. As a result, the term 弟弟 is frequently extended to younger male cousins (specifically 表弟 biǎodì for maternal/cross-cousins and 堂弟 tángdì for paternal parallel cousins). When introducing a younger cousin, it is completely normal to simply refer to him as 弟弟 in casual conversation.
- Extended Usage
- Younger male cousins or close younger male friends.
他像我的亲弟弟一样。
Furthermore, in contemporary slang and internet culture, 弟弟 has taken on new, sometimes playful or derogatory meanings. For instance, in competitive gaming or sports, calling someone a 弟弟 implies they are a novice, weak, or inferior in skill—essentially saying 'you are just a little boy compared to me.' This slang usage showcases the evolution of the language from strict kinship terms to expressive colloquialisms.
Another modern phenomenon is the term '小奶狗' (little milk dog) or '弟弟' used by older women to affectionately describe younger, sweet, and attentive boyfriends or male idols. This reflects shifting relationship dynamics and pop culture trends in modern China. Understanding these layers—from the literal to the cultural to the slang—provides a comprehensive grasp of what 弟弟 truly means in today's Chinese language landscape.
- Slang Meaning
- A novice, someone weak, or an affectionately viewed younger male.
在游戏里,你就是个弟弟。
我弟弟今年上大学了。
她带了一个弟弟来参加聚会。
Using 弟弟 correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and social context. As a noun, it functions straightforwardly as a subject, object, or possessive entity in a sentence. However, there are specific nuances that learners must master to sound natural.
- Basic Grammar
- Functions as a standard noun, often without the possessive particle 的.
我弟弟很高。
One of the most important rules for beginners is the omission of the possessive particle 的 (de) when referring to close family members. While '我的书' (my book) requires 的, '我弟弟' (my younger brother) sounds much more natural without it. Including 的 (我的弟弟) is not grammatically incorrect, but it can sound overly formal, distant, or slightly unnatural in everyday conversation.
When addressing your own younger brother directly, you typically just call his name or nickname. Unlike older siblings, whom you must respectfully address as 哥哥 (older brother) or 姐姐 (older sister), you rarely call your younger brother '弟弟' to his face unless you are emphasizing his role or scolding him playfully. Instead, parents and older siblings often use his given name, a diminutive form (like adding 小 Xiǎo before his name), or a repeated syllable from his name.
- Direct Address
- Use their name or nickname, not the word 弟弟.
小明,过来!(Calling a younger brother named Ming)
In written Chinese and formal contexts, you might encounter the single character 弟 (dì). This is often used in compound words or formal writing, such as 兄弟 (xiōngdì - brothers/brethren), 弟兄 (dìxiōng - brothers in a religious or military context), or 弟子 (dìzǐ - disciple). However, in spoken Mandarin, the reduplicated form 弟弟 is the standard way to say 'younger brother' to ensure phonetic clarity, as single-syllable words can easily be misunderstood.
When talking about multiple younger brothers, you can use numbers and measure words. The standard measure word for people is 个 (gè). So, 'two younger brothers' is 两个弟弟 (liǎng ge dìdi). If you have more than one, you might differentiate them by saying 大弟弟 (the oldest of the younger brothers) and 小弟弟 (the youngest brother). Note that 小弟弟 (xiǎo dìdi) can also be a colloquial term for a little boy in general, or, in certain slang contexts, a euphemism for male anatomy, so use it with awareness of the context.
- Measure Words
- Use 个 (gè) for counting brothers.
他有两个弟弟。
这是我的小弟弟。
你弟弟多大了?
The word 弟弟 is ubiquitous in Chinese daily life, media, and literature. Because family is the cornerstone of Chinese society, kinship terms are among the most frequently used words in the language. You will hear 弟弟 in almost every context where personal lives, backgrounds, or relationships are discussed.
- Daily Conversation
- Introductions and small talk about family.
你有没有弟弟?
In everyday conversations, asking about someone's family is a common way to build rapport. Questions like '你有兄弟姐妹吗?' (Do you have siblings?) will often elicit answers involving 弟弟. When visiting a Chinese friend's home, you might be introduced to their 弟弟. In schools, teachers might ask students about their siblings to understand their home environment.
In Chinese television dramas, movies, and literature, the dynamic between siblings is a classic trope. The older sibling protecting the younger brother, or the younger brother causing trouble that the older sibling must fix, are common narrative arcs. In historical dramas (古装剧), you will hear variations like 舍弟 (shèdì), a humble way to refer to one's own younger brother in classical Chinese, though this is rarely used in modern speech.
- Media & Pop Culture
- Common in family dramas and internet slang.
剧里的弟弟很可爱。
The internet and social media platforms like Weibo, Douyin (TikTok), and Xiaohongshu are rich sources of modern usages of 弟弟. Here, you will frequently encounter the slang version of the word. Gamers streaming their matches might yell '你个弟弟!' when defeating an opponent. Fans of young male celebrities often refer to their idols affectionately as 弟弟, emphasizing their youth and endearing qualities, regardless of actual biological relation.
In professional or formal environments, 弟弟 is less common unless people are making personal small talk. However, in family-run businesses, which are prevalent in China, you might hear employees referring to the boss's younger brother as 小老板 (little boss) or simply acknowledging him as the boss's 弟弟. Understanding where and how this word appears helps learners navigate both traditional family settings and modern digital landscapes.
- Workplace Context
- Used only in personal small talk or family businesses.
老板的弟弟今天来了。
网上的年轻偶像常被称为弟弟。
别欺负你弟弟!
While 弟弟 is an A1 level word, learners frequently make subtle mistakes regarding its pronunciation, grammatical integration, and cultural application. Addressing these early on ensures a more native-sounding command of Mandarin.
- Pronunciation Error
- Mispronouncing the neutral tone.
正确: dìdi (4th tone, neutral tone).
The most common phonetic mistake is failing to use the neutral tone on the second syllable. Many beginners pronounce it as 'dì dì' (fourth tone, fourth tone). In Mandarin, reduplicated kinship terms (like 妈妈, 爸爸, 哥哥, 姐姐, 弟弟, 妹妹) always have a neutral tone on the second character. Pronouncing it with two full fourth tones sounds robotic and unnatural. The correct pronunciation is a sharp drop on the first 'dì', followed by a light, quick 'di'.
Grammatically, the overuse of 的 (de) is a hallmark of beginner Chinese. Saying 我的弟弟 (wǒ de dìdi) instead of 我弟弟 (wǒ dìdi) is a persistent habit for English speakers who directly translate 'my younger brother'. While not strictly wrong, omitting 的 demonstrates a better feel for Chinese rhythm and intimacy. The rule of thumb is: for close family and institutions (like my school - 我学校), drop the 的.
- Grammar Error
- Overusing the possessive particle 的.
错误: 这是我的弟弟。 (Unnatural)
Culturally, a common mistake is using 弟弟 as a direct address. An English speaker might say, 'Hey, younger brother, come here!' and translate it to '弟弟,过来!' In Chinese, older siblings rarely call their younger siblings '弟弟' to their face. They use their given name. Using '弟弟' as a vocative is usually reserved for strangers addressing a little boy (e.g., an adult saying to a lost child, '小弟弟,你妈妈呢?' - Little boy, where is your mom?).
Another mistake is confusing 弟弟 with 哥哥 (older brother). Because English just uses 'brother' for both, learners often pause or use the wrong term. In Chinese, age hierarchy is non-negotiable; you must specify older or younger. There is no common single word for 'brother' that doesn't specify age, other than the formal collective noun 兄弟 (xiōngdì), which is not used to refer to a single individual in daily speech.
- Vocabulary Confusion
- Mixing up older and younger brother.
注意: 哥哥 (older) vs 弟弟 (younger).
我没有弟弟,只有一个哥哥。
小弟弟,你几岁了?
To fully master the vocabulary surrounding 弟弟, it is helpful to understand related kinship terms and synonyms. Chinese has a highly specific vocabulary for family members, and knowing the distinctions will greatly improve your fluency and cultural competence.
- Older Brother
- 哥哥 (gēge)
他是我哥哥,不是我弟弟。
The most immediate counterpart to 弟弟 is 哥哥 (gēge), meaning older brother. Together, they form the compound word 兄弟 (xiōngdì), meaning brothers. When people ask if you have brothers, they might ask '你有兄弟吗?' (Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì ma?). This compound uses the formal character 兄 (xiōng) for older brother instead of 哥.
When dealing with extended family, the terms become more specific. A younger male cousin on your mother's side (or from your father's sisters) is a 表弟 (biǎodì). A younger male cousin on your father's side (specifically from your father's brothers) is a 堂弟 (tángdì). While you can casually refer to them all as 弟弟 in informal settings, you must use 表弟 or 堂弟 when explaining exact family trees or in formal introductions.
- Cousins
- 表弟 (biǎodì) and 堂弟 (tángdì)
这是我表弟。
Another related term is 老弟 (lǎodì). This is an affectionate, slightly colloquial term used by an older person to address a younger male friend or a younger brother. It conveys a sense of camaraderie and closeness. You might hear older men calling their younger male colleagues or friends 老弟 over drinks or dinner.
Finally, the term 小弟 (xiǎodì) has a few meanings. It can literally mean the youngest brother. However, in mobster movies or gang contexts, 小弟 refers to an underling or a henchman (the 'little brother' to the gang boss, 大哥 dàgē). In classical or highly humble speech, a man might refer to himself as 小弟 when speaking to someone he respects, though this is archaic and rarely used today outside of specific traditional contexts.
- Underling / Humble Self
- 小弟 (xiǎodì)
他是大哥的小弟。
堂弟和表弟都是弟弟。
老弟,最近怎么样?
How Formal Is It?
""
""
""
難易度
知っておくべき文法
レベル別の例文
这是我弟弟。
This is my younger brother.
Omit '的' (de) for close family members.
我有弟弟。
I have a younger brother.
Use '有' (yǒu) to indicate possession.
我没有弟弟。
I don't have a younger brother.
Use '没有' (méiyǒu) for negation of '有'.
弟弟五岁。
Younger brother is five years old.
Age is expressed directly with the number and '岁' (suì).
弟弟很高。
Younger brother is tall.
Use '很' (hěn) to link nouns and adjectives.
他是我弟弟。
He is my younger brother.
Basic Subject + 是 + Noun structure.
弟弟喜欢吃苹果。
Younger brother likes to eat apples.
Basic Subject + Verb + Object structure.
弟弟在睡觉。
Younger brother is sleeping.
Use '在' (zài) to indicate an ongoing action.
我弟弟比我高。
My younger brother is taller than me.
Comparative structure using '比' (bǐ).
你有几个弟弟?
How many younger brothers do you have?
Use '几个' (jǐ ge) to ask about small quantities.
我弟弟每天去学校。
My younger brother goes to school every day.
Time words like '每天' (měitiān) go before the verb.
弟弟的衣服是蓝色的。
Younger brother's clothes are blue.
Use '的' (de) for possession of objects.
我和弟弟一起玩。
My younger brother and I play together.
Use '和...一起' (hé... yīqǐ) for doing things together.
弟弟生病了,在医院。
Younger brother is sick and is in the hospital.
Use '了' (le) to indicate a change of state.
弟弟会说英语。
Younger brother can speak English.
Use '会' (huì) for learned skills.
那个小男孩是你弟弟吗?
Is that little boy your younger brother?
Yes/No question using '吗' (ma).
虽然他是我弟弟,但我们性格完全不同。
Although he is my younger brother, our personalities are completely different.
Use '虽然...但...' (suīrán... dàn...) for 'although... but...'.
我弟弟刚上大学,学的是计算机。
My younger brother just started college; he is studying computer science.
Use '刚' (gāng) for 'just recently'.
作为哥哥,我应该照顾弟弟。
As an older brother, I should take care of my younger brother.
Use '作为' (zuòwéi) to mean 'as (a role)'.
那个小弟弟迷路了,正在哭。
That little boy is lost and is crying.
'小弟弟' used to refer to an unknown young boy.
我表弟明天要来我家玩。
My younger male cousin is coming to my house to play tomorrow.
Introduction of '表弟' (biǎodì) for cousin.
弟弟把我的电脑弄坏了。
My younger brother broke my computer.
Use the '把' (bǎ) structure for disposal/impact.
我给弟弟买了一份生日礼物。
I bought a birthday gift for my younger brother.
Use '给' (gěi) to indicate the recipient of an action.
弟弟长得越来越像爸爸了。
Younger brother is looking more and more like dad.
Use '越来越' (yuè lái yuè) for 'more and more'.
在电子竞技里,技术不行就会被称为“弟弟”。
In esports, if your skills aren't good, you'll be called a 'noob' (younger brother).
Slang usage of '弟弟' meaning weak or inexperienced.
独生子女政策让很多人没有亲弟弟。
The one-child policy resulted in many people not having biological younger brothers.
Formal vocabulary like '独生子女' (dúshēng zǐnǚ).
她非常迷恋那个选秀节目里的弟弟。
She is obsessed with the younger guy (idol) in that talent show.
Pop culture usage of '弟弟' for younger male idols.
老弟,这件事就拜托你了。
Bro (younger friend), I'm leaving this matter in your hands.
Use of '老弟' (lǎodì) as an affectionate address between men.
弟弟不仅学习成绩优异,而且擅长体育。
Not only does my younger brother have excellent grades, but he is also good at sports.
Use '不仅...而且...' (bùjǐn... érqiě...) for 'not only... but also'.
即使弟弟犯了错,父母也总是偏袒他。
Even if the younger brother makes a mistake, the parents always show favoritism towards him.
Use '即使...也...' (jíshǐ... yě...) for 'even if'.
他把公司交给了弟弟打理。
He handed the company over to his younger brother to manage.
Advanced vocabulary like '打理' (dǎlǐ - to manage).
弟弟的叛逆期让全家人都很头疼。
The younger brother's rebellious phase is giving the whole family a headache.
Concept of '叛逆期' (pànnì qī - rebellious phase).
在这个行业里,他还只是个初出茅庐的小老弟。
In this industry, he is still just a fledgling junior (little brother).
Idiom '初出茅庐' (chūchū máolú) combined with '小老弟'.
长兄如父,他对弟弟的管教极为严格。
An eldest brother is like a father; his discipline of his younger brother is extremely strict.
Classical idiom '长兄如父' (zhǎngxiōng rú fù).
兄弟阋于墙,外御其侮,弟弟最终还是站在了哥哥这边。
Brothers may quarrel at home, but they unite against outside insults; the younger brother ultimately stood by his older brother.
Classical quote '兄弟阋于墙,外御其侮'.
这篇小说细腻地刻画了弟弟在家族衰败中的心理蜕变。
This novel delicately portrays the younger brother's psychological transformation during the family's decline.
Literary analysis vocabulary (细腻地刻画, 心理蜕变).
别看他平时吊儿郎当,关键时刻绝不含糊,真不愧是我带出来的小弟。
Don't be fooled by his usual sloppy demeanor; at critical moments he is unequivocal, truly worthy of being the protégé (little brother) I trained.
Colloquial phrasing '吊儿郎当' and '小弟' as protégé.
两国关系犹如兄弟,虽然偶有摩擦,但弟弟总归是尊重哥哥的。
The relationship between the two countries is like brothers; although there is occasional friction, the younger brother ultimately respects the older brother.
Metaphorical use of '弟弟' in geopolitics.
他以弟弟的名义成立了基金会,以此纪念早逝的亲人。
He established a foundation in his younger brother's name to commemorate his prematurely deceased relative.
Formal phrasing '以...的名义' (in the name of).
网民们用“弟弟”一词来解构传统的权威形象,带有强烈的戏谑意味。
Netizens use the term 'younger brother' to deconstruct traditional authoritative images, carrying a strong sense of banter.
Academic/sociological vocabulary (解构, 戏谑意味).
在宗法制度下,嫡长子与庶出弟弟的地位有着天壤之别。
Under the patriarchal clan system, the status of the eldest legitimate son and the concubine-born younger brother was worlds apart.
Historical terminology (宗法制度, 嫡长子, 庶出).
这句“你个弟弟”在语境中不仅是实力的贬低,更是话语权的剥夺。
The phrase 'you noob (younger brother)' in this context is not just a belittling of ability, but a deprivation of the right to speak.
Advanced linguistic analysis (话语权的剥夺).
他将自己置于“小弟”的卑微位置,实则是以退为进的政治博弈。
He placed himself in the humble position of 'little brother', which was actually a political game of retreating to advance.
Strategic idioms (以退为进, 政治博弈).
鲁迅笔下的弟弟形象,往往承载着启蒙者对国民劣根性的复杂情感。
The image of the younger brother in Lu Xun's writings often carries the enlightener's complex feelings towards the deep-rooted bad habits of the national character.
Literary criticism vocabulary (国民劣根性).
从“贤弟”到“老弟”的称呼转变,折射出两人关系从客套走向世故的轨迹。
The shift in address from 'worthy younger brother' to 'old brother' reflects the trajectory of their relationship moving from polite formality to worldly sophistication.
Nuanced analysis of address terms (贤弟, 世故).
弟弟的缺席,成为了这部家族史诗中一个巨大的结构性隐喻。
The absence of the younger brother became a massive structural metaphor in this family epic.
Academic literary terms (结构性隐喻).
他那句自嘲式的“我是个弟弟”,巧妙地化解了剑拔弩张的谈判气氛。
His self-deprecating remark 'I am a younger brother (noob)' cleverly defused the highly tense negotiation atmosphere.
Idiom '剑拔弩张' (swords drawn and bows bent).
在古代礼法中,“悌”要求弟弟对兄长绝对顺从,这是维系家族秩序的基石。
In ancient etiquette, 'fraternal duty' required the younger brother to be absolutely obedient to the older brother; this was the cornerstone of maintaining family order.
Philosophical/historical concepts (礼法, 悌, 基石).
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
我弟弟
亲弟弟
小弟弟
表弟弟
堂弟弟
带弟弟
看弟弟
打弟弟
疼弟弟
弟弟的
よく混同される語
慣用句と表現
""
""
""
""
""
""
""
""
""
""
間違えやすい
文型パターン
使い方
Younger male sibling.
Younger male cousin, younger male friend, or young male idol.
Someone less experienced or weaker.
- Saying 我的弟弟 instead of 我弟弟.
- Pronouncing both characters with a heavy 4th tone (dì dì).
- Calling an actual younger brother '弟弟' to his face instead of using his name.
- Using 弟弟 when referring to an older brother (哥哥).
- Confusing the character 弟 with 第 in writing.
ヒント
Drop the 的
Always say 我弟弟 instead of 我的弟弟. It sounds much more native.
Neutral Tone Magic
Make sure the second character is a neutral tone: dìdi. Don't say dì dì.
Cousins as Brothers
Because of the one-child policy, many Chinese people refer to their younger cousins simply as 弟弟.
Gaming Trash Talk
If you play Chinese video games, expect to hear '你个弟弟' when someone thinks you are playing poorly.
Specify Age
Remember, English uses 'brother' for both, but Chinese requires you to choose 哥哥 or 弟弟.
Don't Confuse with 第
弟 is brother. 第 is for numbers (第一 = first). Notice the bamboo radical on top of 第.
Using 老弟
Older men often call younger male friends '老弟' (lǎodì) to show closeness and camaraderie.
Use Names, Not Titles
Call your actual younger brother by his name, not by saying 'Hey 弟弟'.
Idol Fandoms
Female fans love calling young male stars '弟弟' to express affection and a desire to protect them.
Counting Brothers
Use 个 (gè) to count. 'Two younger brothers' is 两个弟弟 (liǎng ge dìdi).
暗記しよう
記憶術
Imagine a younger brother holding a bow (弓) with a string wound around it, playing in the yard.
語源
The character 弟 originally depicted a cord wound around a spool or a piece of wood. This winding represented a sequence or order, which was later metaphorically applied to the sequence of brothers in a family, specifically those coming after the eldest.
文化的な背景
Do not call an adult male '小弟弟' as it can be patronizing or interpreted as a crude anatomical reference.
When asking about someone's family, it is polite to ask '你有兄弟姐妹吗?' (Do you have siblings?).
The concept of '兄友弟恭' (older brother friendly, younger brother respectful) is a core Confucian virtue.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"你家里有弟弟妹妹吗?"
"你弟弟今年多大了?"
"你和你弟弟关系好吗?"
"你弟弟长得像你吗?"
"你平时会照顾弟弟吗?"
日記のテーマ
Describe your younger brother or a younger male relative.
Write about a time you had to take care of someone younger than you.
How does the concept of 'brotherhood' differ in your culture compared to China?
Write a short story about two brothers.
Discuss the modern slang usage of '弟弟' in Chinese internet culture.
よくある質問
10 問You should say 我弟弟. In Chinese, when referring to close family members or institutions you belong to, the possessive particle 的 (de) is usually omitted to sound more natural and intimate.
The second 'di' is pronounced with a neutral tone. This means it is short, light, and lacks the sharp falling pitch of the first 'dì'. Think of it as a quick tap of the vocal cords.
Usually, no. Older siblings typically call their younger brothers by their given name or a nickname. Calling him '弟弟' directly is rare unless you are scolding him or emphasizing his role.
In Chinese internet and gaming slang, calling someone a '弟弟' means they are a 'noob', weak, or inferior in skill. It is a form of trash talk, implying they are like a little boy compared to the speaker.
If he is on your mother's side (or your father's sister's son), he is your 表弟 (biǎodì). If he is your father's brother's son, he is your 堂弟 (tángdì). In casual speech, you can just call him 弟弟.
The formal word is 兄弟 (xiōngdì), but it is mostly used in the plural or abstract sense (like 'brotherhood'). When talking about a specific sibling, you must specify if they are older (哥哥) or younger (弟弟).
In modern Chinese pop culture, older women often use '弟弟' or '小奶狗' (little milk dog) to affectionately describe younger, sweet, and attractive male celebrities or boyfriends.
They sound exactly the same (dì) and look similar, but 弟 means 'younger brother', while 第 (with the bamboo radical on top) is a prefix used to form ordinal numbers (e.g., 第一 means 'first').
Yes. While it literally means 'little younger brother' and is used to address young boys politely, in certain colloquial or adult contexts, it is a euphemism for male anatomy. Use it carefully.
It has 7 strokes. The radical is 弓 (bow). Pay attention to the vertical hook in the middle. Practicing the stroke order will help you distinguish it from similar-looking characters.
自分をテスト 180 問
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
弟弟 (dìdi) is the essential word for 'younger brother'. Remember to drop the '的' (de) for close family (我弟弟) and be aware of its modern slang uses meaning 'novice' or 'cute younger guy' on the internet.
- Means 'younger brother' in Chinese.
- Pronounced with a 4th tone then a neutral tone (dìdi).
- Omit '的' (de) when saying 'my younger brother' (我弟弟).
- Can be used as slang for 'noob' or a cute younger guy.
Drop the 的
Always say 我弟弟 instead of 我的弟弟. It sounds much more native.
Neutral Tone Magic
Make sure the second character is a neutral tone: dìdi. Don't say dì dì.
Cousins as Brothers
Because of the one-child policy, many Chinese people refer to their younger cousins simply as 弟弟.
Gaming Trash Talk
If you play Chinese video games, expect to hear '你个弟弟' when someone thinks you are playing poorly.
例文
我的弟弟才五岁。