男士

• Pinyin: nán shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 男 = 田 (field) + 力 (strength); 士 = a scholar or person of standing (pictograph of an axe in the ground)

Meaning

Gentleman; man. A polite, formal way to refer to an adult male.

A respectful and somewhat formal term for an adult man, often used in public announcements, signage, and polite address. Parallels 女士 (lady). Common in contexts like clothing stores (男士专柜 men's section), formal events, and public services. More polite than 男的 and less literary than 先生 when used generically.

Examples

1. 请问这位男士，您需要什么帮助？ Excuse me sir, what help do you need?
2. 这件衣服是男士款的。 This piece of clothing is a men's style.
3. 男士们请走左边的通道。 Gentlemen, please use the left passageway.

Usage Guide

Context: public address, retail, formal events

Tone: polite

Do Say

• 各位男士女士，欢迎来到晚会。(Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the evening event.)
• 请问男士洗手间在哪里？(Excuse me, where is the men's restroom?)

Don't Say

• 对熟悉的朋友用'男士' (Don't call a close friend 男士 — it sounds overly formal and distant; use their name or 兄弟 instead)

Origin & History

A compound of 男 (male) and 士 (scholar/gentleman) — a man of standing or courtesy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal