甲斐性

• 読み: かいしょう
• ローマ字: kaishō
• 漢字の分解: 甲斐 (worth/value) + 性 (nature/character) → the character of being a capable provider
• 発音: /ka.i.ɕoː/

意味

The ability to provide financially and take care of one's family — a traditional masculine trait now discussed in the context of modern dating and gender equality.

Traditionally, 甲斐性 described a man's capability as a provider and protector. Having 甲斐性 meant earning well, being reliable, and supporting a family financially. In modern Japan, the term appears in dating discussions, marriage conversations, and gender equality debates. Some still value it as a desirable trait in a partner, while others argue the concept is outdated in an era of dual-income households and changing gender roles.

例文

1. 甲斐性なしって言われたくないから必死に働いてる。
2. 甲斐性のある男がモテるって時代は変わりつつあるよね。
3. 共働きの時代に甲斐性って言葉自体が古いと思う。

使い方ガイド

場面: dating, marriage discussions, gender equality debates

トーン: evaluative, traditional

正しい言い方

• 甲斐性って今の時代どう思う？ (What do you think about kaishou in today's era?)
• 甲斐性なしとか言われるの正直きつい (Being called 'lacking kaishou' honestly stings)

避ける言い方

• 初対面の人に「甲斐性ありそうですね」は値踏みしてるように聞こえる (Telling someone you just met 'you seem to have good kaishou' sounds like you're sizing them up)

よくある間違い

• Assuming 甲斐性 is universally valued — it is increasingly seen as a gendered and outdated concept by younger Japanese
• Using 甲斐性なし as an insult without understanding how deeply it can wound someone's pride

起源と歴史

From 甲斐 (worth/value) + 性 (nature/character). Historically used to evaluate a man's worth as a provider in Japan's traditional family structure. The concept has roots in the ie (家) household system.

文化的背景

時代: Traditional value, increasingly debated in modern gender equality discourse

世代: All ages, contested between generations

社会的背景: Universal

地域メモ: Used across all of Japan. A key concept in Japanese discussions about marriage, gender roles, and the changing definition of masculinity.