弟 分(おとうとぶん)

おとうとぶん

noun

younger-brother figure, junior (in a close relationship)

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(かれ)は私(わたし)の弟分(おとうとぶん)だ。

He's like a younger brother to me.

先輩(せんぱい)に弟分(おとうとぶん)として可愛(かわい)がられている。

He's treated affectionately by his senior as a younger-brother figure.

若(わか)い頃(ころ)から弟分(おとうとぶん)として面倒(めんどう)を見(み)てきた後輩(こうはい)が立派(りっぱ)に成長(せいちょう)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(おとうとぶん)として可愛(かわい)がる: to be fond of someone as a junior
弟分(おとうとぶん)の面倒(めんどう)を見(み)る: to look after one's junior
兄貴(あにき)と弟分(おとうとぶん): big brother and his protégé

Similar words

兄貴分(あにきぶん): older-brother figure (the counterpart)
子分(こぶん): follower, henchman (more hierarchical, often negative)
後輩(こうはい): junior (school/workplace seniority, more formal)

Related Words

Compare: 兄貴分(あにきぶん) (older-brother figure)

Compare: 子分(こぶん) (follower, henchman)

Compare: 後輩(こうはい) (junior)

general

Added 2026.4.21 0:27 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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