Translation guide
The English word "men" refers to male human beings, typically adults. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends heavily on context, politeness, and whether you are referring to men in general, a specific group, or in contrast to women. Direct translations exist, but natural Japanese often uses more specific terms or omits the subject entirely.
Referring to male human beings as a group, often in contrast to women or children.
The standard, neutral word for 'male' or 'men', used in formal and informal contexts. Suitable for statistics, general statements, and polite conversation.
Men are on average taller than women.
A blunt, informal word for 'man' or 'men'. Can sound rough or masculine. Often used among close friends or in set phrases.
Using 男 to refer to someone directly can be impolite. Prefer 男性 or 男の人 in most situations.
Often used for 'boys' or 'young men', but can mean 'men' in contexts like sports or statistics (e.g., 'men's team').
Referring to a particular set of male individuals, such as 'the men in the room' or 'those men'.
Emphasizing biological maleness, often in medical, scientific, or identity contexts.
Highlighting the distinction between men and women, often in discussions of gender roles or differences.
Casual, friendly reference to a group of males, like 'hey guys' or 'those guys'.
Informal, often rough way to say 'those guys' or 'them' (male). Can be derogatory depending on tone.
English often uses 'men' where Japanese would use a more specific term or omit the subject. For example, 'Men's room' is 男性用トイレ, not just 'men'. When addressing a group, Japanese might use 皆さん (everyone) instead of 'men'.
Gentlemen, this way please. (lit. Everyone, this way.)
To say 'X men', use the counter 人 (にん) after the number: 三人の男性 (three men). For formal situations, () is more polite: (three gentlemen).
この会社の男性社員は多い。
There are many male employees in this company.
A common, slightly more casual way to say 'man' or 'men'. Literally 'male person'. Used in everyday speech.
Who is that man?
Three men came.
Men should work silently. (stereotypical saying)
男子トイレはあちらです。
The men's restroom is over there.
The men are gathering in the conference room.
Casual plural of 男の人. Common in conversation.
Who are those men?
Japanese often omits explicit plurals. You can specify number with counters like 人 (にん) or use demonstratives.
There are three men.
Look at those men.
Works for biological sex as well. Standard in formal contexts.
male hormones
Can be used in casual or direct statements about being male.
Equality between men and women is important.
Casual, sometimes blunt way to say 'men and women'. Used in everyday speech or idiomatic expressions.
Men and women think differently.
Leave it to those guys.
Archaic or theatrical way to address a group of men, like 'ye men'. Rare in modern speech.
Men, attack!