男性

• Pinyin: nán xìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 男 = 田 (field) + 力 (strength), a man working in fields; 性 = 忄(heart) + 生 (life), nature or gender

Meaning

Male; man. The male gender or male individuals.

A formal or technical term for males, as opposed to 女性 (female). Used in medical, legal, demographic, and formal contexts. More formal than 男人 (man) or 男的 (male person, colloquial).

Examples

1. 这款护肤品是专门为男性设计的。 This skincare product is designed specifically for men.
2. 调查显示，男性平均寿命比女性短几年。 Surveys show that the average lifespan of males is several years shorter than females.
3. 公司的管理层大部分都是男性。 Most of the company's management is male.

Usage Guide

Context: demographics, medical, formal writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个洗手间是男性专用的。(This restroom is for males only.)
• 男性在这方面的比例更高。(The proportion of males in this aspect is higher.)

Don't Say

• 那个男性是我朋友。(In casual speech, use 男的 or 那个男生/男人 — 男性 sounds too clinical)

Origin & History

男 (nán, male) + 性 (xìng, gender/nature). The male gender.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal