Translation and Meaning of: 男 - otoko

The Japanese word 男 [おとこ] is one of the most basic and essential when it comes to learning the language. If you are starting your studies or just have curiosity about the meaning and use of this term, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore everything from the simple translation to deeper cultural aspects, such as the origin of the kanji and how it is perceived in Japan today. Here at Suki Nihongo, our dictionary aims to provide accurate and useful information for students of all levels.

In addition to being a common word in daily life, 男 carries interesting nuances that may go unnoticed by those who do not master Japanese. Is it used in the same way as "man" in Portuguese? How can one efficiently memorize its kanji? And what is the difference between 男 and other similar terms? We will answer these and other questions throughout the text.

Meaning and translation of 男

The most direct translation of 男[おとこ] is "man" or "male", referring to the masculine gender. However, just like in Portuguese, context can slightly alter its meaning. In some situations, the word can be used to highlight characteristics traditionally associated with masculinity, such as strength or virility, although this usage has become less common with social changes in Japan.

It is worth noting that 男 is a neutral term in many cases, appearing in everyday expressions such as 男の子 (boy) or 男らしい (masculine, manly). Unlike words like 男性 (which has a more formal or technical tone), おとこ sounds more colloquial and straightforward, being common in informal conversations among friends or family.

Origin and writing of the kanji 男

The kanji 男 is composed of two visible elements: 田 (rice field) and 力 (strength). This combination is not random – according to the etymological dictionary 漢字源, the character emerged from the idea of "strength in the field," reflecting the traditional role of men in ancient agricultural society. It is an interesting example of how kanjis often carry stories within their structure.

For those learning to write, a useful tip is to remember that 男 has 7 strokes and follows a specific order. Start with 田 at the top and then add 力 at the bottom. This method of decomposition greatly aids in memorization, especially when compared to other more complex kanjis. Some students associate the image of "a man working in the field" to better internalize the character.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In contemporary Japanese culture, 男 frequently appears in various contexts – from anime and manga to song lyrics and proverbs. An interesting fact is that, although it is an ancient word, it remains relevant even among the younger generations. Unlike some terms that have fallen out of use, おとこ continues to be an active part of modern Japanese vocabulary.

However, it is important to note that, just like in many languages, discussions about gender have led to reflections on the use of certain expressions. Words like 男らしい ( "masculine" behavior) are increasingly questioned for reinforcing stereotypes. This debate shows how even seemingly simple terms like 男 are subject to changes as society evolves.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 男性 (dansei) - Man, adult man
• 男子 (danshi) - Boy, young male
• 男人 (nanren) - Man (the most common word in Chinese)
• 男性者 (danseisha) - A man, a male person.
• 男子供 (danshikodomo) - Male children
• 男の子 (otokonoko) - Boy, kid
• 男児 (danji) - Male child, boy
• 男子ども (danshi-domo) - Boys, young males
• 男っ子 (okkō) - Boy, kid (affectionate form)
• 男めく (otoko meku) - Behave in a masculine way
• 男たち (otoko-tachi) - Men, plural of man
• 男たらし (otoko tarashi) - Man who conquers women
• 男の人 (otoko no hito) - Man (more neutral term)
• 男の中の男 (otoko no naka no otoko) - The true man
• 男の中の女 (otoko no naka no onna) - Woman in a man (or a feminine characteristic in a man)
• 男のくせに (otoko no kuse ni) - Although he is a man
• 男のように (otoko no you ni) - Like a man
• 男らしく (otoko rashiku) - In a masculine way
• 男気 (otokagi) - Masculine courage, bravery
• 男らしい (otoko rashii) - Male, like a man
• 男くさい (otokkusai) - With a masculine scent
• 男っぽい (otokoppoi) - With masculine characteristics
• 男くささ (otokusasasa) - Masculinity (as a quality)
• 男臭い (otokushinai) - Masculine scent
• 男前 (otokomae) - Handsome, attractive man
• 男っぷり (otoko-puri) - Male behavior
• 男らしさ (otoko rashi sa) - Quality of being masculine
• 男らしい女 (otoko rashii onna) - Woman with masculine characteristics
• 男女 (danjo) - Men and women
• 男女兼用 (danjo ken'yō) - Unisex, suitable for both sexes
• 男女共学 (danjo kyōgaku) - Mixed education (men and women together)
• 男女平等 (danjo byōdō) - Gender equality
• 男女差別 (danjo sabetsu) - Gender discrimination
• 男女比率 (danjo hiritu) - Proportion between men and women
• 男女共同参画 (danjo kyōdō sankaku) - Joint participation of men and women

男

Romaji: otoko
Kana: おとこ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: man

Meaning in English: man

Definition: Man: An adult male, a male human being.

Example Sentences - (男) otoko

See below some example sentences:

髭が似合う男性は格好いい。

Hige ga niau dansei wa kakkou ii

Men who look good with a beard are attractive.

A man with a beard is cool.

• 髭 - Means "beard" in Japanese.
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 似合う - verb meaning "look good" or "match".
• 男性 - noun meaning "man".
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 格好いい - adjective meaning "cool" or "attractive."

男の人は強いです。

Otoko no hito wa tsuyoi desu

Men are strong.

The man is strong.

• 男の人 - man
• は - Topic particle
• 強い - strong
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

男子は強いです。

Danshi wa tsuyoi desu

Men are strong.

The boys are strong.

• 男子 - A palavra em japonês que significa "homem" é 男 (おとこ, otoko).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 強い - The Japanese adjective that means "strong" is 強い (tsuyoi).
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate a polite assertion

丈夫な男性が道を歩いている。

Joufu na dansei ga michi wo aruite iru

A strong man is walking down the street.

A durable man is walking on the road.

• 丈夫な - adjective meaning "strong"
• 男性 - noun that means "man"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 道 - noun that means "path"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 歩いている - verb that means "is walking" in the present continuous

丈夫な男性が好きです。

Joufu na dansei ga suki desu

I like strong men.

I like durable men.

• 丈夫な - adjective meaning "strong, robust"
• 男性 - noun that means "man, masculine"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - adjective that means "to like, to love"
• です - verb indicating the polite or formal form of the present tense

共学は男女が一緒に学ぶ学校です。

Kyōgaku wa danjo ga issho ni manabu gakkō desu

Co-education is a school where men and women learn together.

• 共学 - means "mixed education", that is, schools where boys and girls study together.
• 男女 - means "men and women".
• 一緒に - means "together".
• 学ぶ - means "to study".
• 学校 - means "school".

大柄な男性が道を歩いている。

Otokonoko ga michi wo aruite iru

A big man is walking down the street.

A big man is walking on the road.

• 大柄な - large
• 男性 - man
• が - subject particle
• 道 - path/street
• を - direct object particle
• 歩いている - walking (continuous form of the verb 歩く)

男は強い性格を持っています。

Otoko wa tsuyoi seikaku o motte imasu

Men have strong personalities.

The man has a strong personality.

• 男 - means "man" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "man."
• 強い - adjective that means "strong".
• 性格 - noun that means "personality".
• を - object particle that indicates that "personality" is the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - verb meaning "to have".

男性は強くて優しいです。

Danshi wa tsuyokute yasashii desu

Men are strong and kind.

Men are strong and kind.

• 男性 (dansei) - masculine
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 強くて (tsuyokute) - strong and
• 優しい (yasashii) - kind
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

私の家族には長男がいます。

Watashi no kazoku ni wa chōnan ga imasu

I have an eldest son in my family.

My family has the eldest son.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 家族 - noun meaning "family"
• には - particle indicating the existence of something in a certain place or situation
• 長男 - noun meaning "eldest son"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• います - verb meaning "to exist" or "to be present"