男

• Reading: おとこ
• Romaji: otoko
• Kanji breakdown: 男 (otoko/dan) — man, male; 田 (ta) — rice field; 力 (chikara) — strength
• Pronunciation: /o.to.ko/

Meaning

Man; male. A general term for an adult male person.

The basic word for 'man' or 'male' in Japanese. Can be used as a standalone noun or as a prefix (男友達 = male friend). The more formal equivalent is 男性 (dansei). In casual speech, 男 is common and direct without being rude.

Examples

1. あの男の人は誰ですか。 Who is that man over there?
2. 男の学生が五人います。 There are five male students.
3. 弟はもう大人の男になりました。 My younger brother has already become a grown man.

Usage Guide

Context: describing people, daily life, general conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 男 combines 田 (ta, 'rice field') and 力 (chikara, 'strength'), representing a person who uses strength to work the fields — the traditional male role.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal