Japanese · Family & People
弟
otouto
Younger brother
Intermediatenoun
Definition
Refers to a younger brother. Unlike older sibling terms, this word is used both when speaking to others about your own brother and in general reference.
Example
弟は高校生です。
My younger brother is a high school student.
Etymology
'弟' (otouto) traces its origins back to Old Japanese and is consistently used to describe a younger brother. The kanji itself reflects familial ties and relationships commonly found in ancient texts.
How & Where It’s Used
'弟' (otouto) is widely used in informal spoken interactions as well as in written language. It maintains a straightforward register across most regions in Japan, making it a ubiquitous term for younger brothers.