弟弟

• Pinyin: dì di
• Hanzi breakdown: 弟弟 = reduplication of 弟 (younger brother)

Meaning

Younger brother. Used to address or refer to one's younger male sibling.

Specifically means a brother who is younger than oneself. Older brother is 哥哥. Can also refer loosely to a younger male in an extended family or close community. In casual use, 弟 alone is rare; the reduplicated form 弟弟 is standard.

Examples

1. 我弟弟今年八岁。 My younger brother is eight years old this year.
2. 弟弟在学校上课。 My younger brother is in class at school.
3. 他有一个弟弟。 He has a younger brother.

Usage Guide

Context: family, everyday

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 你弟弟几岁了？(How old is your younger brother?)
• 我弟弟很喜欢打球。(My younger brother really likes playing ball.)

Don't Say

• 弟弟 referring to an older male sibling (弟弟 is only for younger brothers — use 哥哥 for older brother)

Origin & History

Reduplication of 弟 (younger brother). The character 弟 originally depicted a bow wrapped with cord, later borrowed for the meaning of 'younger sibling.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal