阿弟 (ā dì) — (dialectal) younger brother

Definition

A casual, often dialectal way to say 'younger brother,' especially in Southern speech. Use 弟弟 in standard Mandarin.

noun

(dialectal) younger brother

Measure word · 个

阿弟。
Wǒ de ā dì jīn nián gāng shàng xiǎo xué.
My younger brother just started elementary school this year.
阿弟，。
ā dì, Bāng wǒ bǎ nà běn shū ná guò lái.
Little brother, help me bring that book over.
闽，阿弟。
Zài mǐn nán huà lǐ, ā dì jiù shì dì di de yì si.
In Hokkien, 'adì' means younger brother.

Derived word

构词法gòucífǎ

前缀qiánzhuìPrefix

A fixed syllable in front that adds a shade of meaning but carries none of its own.

阿āfamiliar form

弟dìyounger brother

阿 adds a familiar tone, and 弟 means younger brother.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

阜阜fù

Sound part声符shēngfú

可

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The part 阜 points to a mound, and 可 gives the pronunciation; 阿 originally meant a big mound.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

弟 pictures a spear handle wrapped in a leather strap. The wrapping showed order, and that meaning was extended to a younger brother.