男

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 男の人が三人います。▶ —
   There are three men.
2. 男の子が遊んでいます。▶ —
   A boy is playing.

Collocations

Mnemonic

男 otoko — "man" standalone, usually paired with の: 男の人 (adult man), 男の子 (boy). Formal alternative 男性 dansei (N4 boundary). Etymology: 田 (rice field) + 力 (strength) = "one who works the fields". Classic visual composition.

Quick check

1. How do you naturally say "adult man" in Japanese?

   • 男の人 otoko no hito (idiomatic)
   • 男人 (Chinese word, doesn't work in Japanese)
   • 男者 (incorrect)
   • 男さん (awkward honorific)