Translation guide
The English word 'male' can refer to biological sex, gender, or be used as a noun or adjective. In Japanese, the most common and natural ways to express this depend on context: for people, 男性 (dansei) is the standard term; for animals, 雄 (osu) is used; and for plants, 雄花 (obana) etc. Be careful with direct translations, as some English uses of 'male' sound unnatural if translated literally.
Referring to a man or boy, or describing something as related to men.
Standard, neutral term for 'male' as a person or gender. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
このジムは男性専用です。
This gym is for males only.
男性の看護師も増えています。
Male nurses are also increasing.
Casual, everyday word for 'man' or 'male'. Often used in compounds or informal speech.
あの男の人は誰？
Who is that male person?
男の子が生まれました。
A male child was born.
Often used for 'male' in contexts like students, sports, or statistics. Slightly formal.
男子学生の数が減っている。
The number of male students is decreasing.
男子トイレはあちらです。
The male restroom is over there.
Literally 'male' for animals, but sometimes used colloquially for people in a rough or humorous way. Avoid in polite conversation.
Using 雄 for people can sound crude or objectifying.
あいつは本当に雄だな。
That guy is really a male (macho).
Specifying the sex of an animal.
Standard term for male animals. Can be used as a noun or prefix.
この犬は雄です。
This dog is male.
雄のライオンはたてがみがある。
Male lions have manes.
Katakana version, common in pet contexts or informal writing.
オスの猫を飼っています。
I have a male cat.
Referring to male reproductive parts in botany.
Male flower. Used in botanical contexts.
この植物は雄花と雌花が別々に咲く。
This plant has separate male and female flowers.
Botanical term for 'male' as a property, e.g., male sterility.
Describing a connector with pins or protrusions.
Used for male connectors in electronics and mechanics. Often in katakana.
このケーブルはオス端子が付いています。
This cable has a male connector.
Literally 'male type', used for plugs or fittings.
雄型コネクタを差し込んでください。
Please insert the male connector.
English often uses 'male' as an adjective (e.g., male friend, male teacher). In Japanese, it's more natural to use 男性の (dansei no) or rephrase. Saying 男の友達 (otoko no tomodachi) is common, but 男性の友達 is also fine. Avoid directly translating 'male nurse' as 男看護師; instead say 男性看護師 (dansei kangoshi).
男性 (dansei) is the most neutral and polite term for adult males. 男 (otoko) is casual and can sound rough if used in formal settings. 男子 (danshi) is often used for boys or in statistical/formal contexts like 'male students' (男子学生). Choose based on formality and age.
They developed a male-sterile strain.