Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'men's' depends on what is being described. It can refer to men's clothing, restrooms, sports, or general possession. The most common way is to use the prefix 男性用 (danseiyou) meaning 'for men', or the possessive 男性の (dansei no). For specific items like clothing, メンズ (menzu) is widely used in fashion contexts.
Describing something intended for or belonging to men in a general sense.
Prefix meaning 'for men's use'. Attach directly to nouns for items, facilities, etc.
Possessive form meaning 'men's' or 'of men'. More formal/literary than 男性用.
Loanword from English 'men's'. Common in fashion, retail, and casual contexts. Often used as a prefix.
Specifically referring to clothing, apparel, or fashion items for men.
The most common term in fashion contexts. Used in shop names, magazines, etc.
メンズのコーナーは3階です。
The men's section is on the 3rd floor.
この店はメンズしか扱っていません。
This store only carries men's clothing.
Used for clothing items, but slightly more formal or functional than メンズ.
Literally 'gentlemen's clothing'. Used for formal menswear stores or departments.
Referring to a restroom designated for men.
Standard term for men's restroom.
男性用トイレはどこですか？
Where is the men's restroom?
Common in schools or public facilities. 男子 means 'boys/men'.
男子トイレは右側です。
The men's restroom is on the right.
Often seen on restroom signs as a single character. Not used in full sentences.
Referring to men's division in sports or events.
Prefix meaning 'men's' in sports contexts (e.g., men's team, men's event).
男子バスケットボール
men's basketball
男子シングルス
men's singles
Also used, but 男子 is more common in sports.
Referring to a group consisting of men, such as a team or association.
男性用 (danseiyou) is the most general and neutral for 'for men's use'. メンズ (menzu) is a loanword common in fashion and casual contexts. 男子 (danshi) is used for sports, school clubs, and sometimes restrooms. 男性の (dansei no) is a possessive form often used in formal or abstract contexts.
Do not directly translate 'men's' as 男の (otoko no) in most cases. It can sound rough or overly simplistic. Use 男性用 or 男性の for general use, and メンズ for fashion.
メンズの売り場を探しています。
I'm looking for the men's section.
この階に男性用トイレはありますか？
Is there a men's restroom on this floor?
men's suits
紳士服売り場
men's clothing department
トイレのマークは男と女です。
The restroom signs are for men and women.
男性マラソン
men's marathon