Definition
子弟 (zǐ dì) refers to the younger generation, especially sons and younger members of a family, community, or group. Unlike 孩子 (hái zi, 'child') or 小朋友 (xiǎo péng yǒu, 'child'), it emphasizes group identity (e.g., military, cadre families) and is more formal, often used in fixed expressions like 子弟兵. It does not mean 'disciple' — that is 弟子 (dì zǐ).
noun
younger generationyouth (especially sons and younger members of a family or community)(in fixed expressions) the peoplethe younger generation of a particular group (e.g. 子弟兵, 干部子弟)
Examples
- 子弟。Tā shì bùduì dàyuàn zhǎngdà de zǐ dì.He is a youth who grew up in a military compound.
- 子弟。Zhōngguó rénmín zǐ dì bīng shǐzhōng bǎowèi zhe guójiā.The Chinese People's Liberation Army always defends the nation.
- 子弟。Zhèxiē zǐ dì dà duō láizì piānyuǎn shānqū.These young people mostly come from remote mountain areas.
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