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日本語
男 — meaning in English: Man
otoko · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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guy
ベンダー
bendā
ローマ法王
Rōma Hōō
証拠
shōko
レジスタ
rejisuta
男
otoko
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 男 (otoko) in everyday conversations, especially when referring to males in various contexts. For example, you might hear it during a casual discussion about family, describing your father as 男, or in a sports setting when cheering on a male athlete.
Synonyms & nuances
While 男 (otoko) is a general term for 'man,' a more specific term like 男性 (dansei) can refer to 'male' in a more formal or medical context. You would choose 男 (otoko) when speaking casually or in familiar settings.
Culture
The word 男 (otoko) not only means 'man' but also carries connotations of masculinity in Japanese culture. Historically, it has been used in various contexts, from literature to modern media, often depicting the traditional roles of men in society. Interestingly, the kanji 男 is a combination of the character for 'field' and 'power,' reflecting the agrarian roots of male labor and strength.
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