男生

• Pinyin: nán shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 男 = 田 (field) + 力 (strength); 生 = pictograph of a plant growing, meaning life/student

Meaning

Male student; boy; young man. Commonly used to refer to male students or young males.

While literally meaning 'male student,' it is widely used to refer to young men in general, not just in school contexts. The female counterpart is 女生. Very common in school and casual settings.

Examples

1. 我们班有十五个男生。 Our class has fifteen boys.
2. 那个男生是你同学吗？ Is that boy your classmate?
3. 男生和女生分开坐。 The boys and girls sit separately.

Usage Guide

Context: school, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 男生宿舍在那边。(The boys' dormitory is over there.)
• 这个男生学习很好。(This boy studies very well.)

Don't Say

• 叫中年男性男生。(Don't call a middle-aged man 男生 — it sounds juvenile; use 男人 or 先生 for older adults)

Origin & History

A compound of 男 (male) and 生 (student/born), literally 'male student.' The meaning has broadened to include young men in general.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal