younger brother
N4- Onyomi
- テイ・ダイ
- Kunyomi
- おとうと
- Stroke count
- 7
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 弟 down and you get 八 (eight / split) — two strokes opening away from each other. Picture an open ledger book ruled into counted columns, put 弟 inside it, and let that scene stand for "younger brother" — younger brother. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 7
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は7画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 7 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example sentences (2)
弟は歌が下手です。
おとうと は うた が へた です。
otouto wa uta ga heta desu.
My younger brother is bad at singing.
弟は大学の学生です。
おとうと は だいがく の がくせい です。
otouto wa daigaku no gakusei desu.
My younger brother is a university student.