1.
younger-brother figure, junior, protégé
A person who is treated like or regarded as a younger brother, especially in a close mentoring or friendship relationship, though not related by blood.
彼は私の弟分だ。
He's like a younger brother to me.
先輩に弟分として可愛がられている。
He's treated affectionately by his senior as a younger-brother figure.
若い頃から弟分として面倒を見てきた後輩が立派に成長した。
The junior I've looked after like a younger brother since he was young has grown into a fine person.
Describes a relationship where someone is treated like a younger brother, implying affection, mentorship, and protection. Common in male social groups, workplace hierarchies, and traditional master-apprentice relationships.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 弟分として可愛がる: to be fond of someone as a junior
- 弟分の面倒を見る: to look after one's junior
- 兄貴と弟分: big brother and his protégé
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 兄貴分: older-brother figure (the counterpart)
- 子分: follower, henchman (more hierarchical, often negative)
- 後輩: junior (school/workplace seniority, more formal)