子弟

• Pinyin: zǐ dì
• Hanzi breakdown: 子 = 了 + 一 (son); 弟 = 丷 + 弓 + 丨 (younger brother)

Meaning

Sons and younger brothers; children; disciples; youth from a certain group.

Originally meant sons and younger male relatives. Now broadly refers to children, young people, or members of a particular group or background. Often used in formal or literary contexts, and in terms like 子弟兵 (people's soldiers).

Examples

1. 农民子弟考上了名牌大学。 A farmer's child got into a top-ranked university.
2. 这所学校专门招收军人子弟。 This school specifically enrolls children of military personnel.
3. 子弟兵永远是人民的保护者。 The People's Army will always be the protector of the people.

Usage Guide

Context: education, military, social

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 革命先烈的子弟继承了父辈的遗志。(The descendants of revolutionary martyrs inherited their forefathers' aspirations.)
• 工人子弟学校为职工家庭服务。(Schools for workers' children serve working-class families.)

Don't Say

• 我的子弟 — use 孩子 or 子女 for your own children in modern speech

Origin & History

子 (son) + 弟 (younger brother)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal