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.
男性は女性より平均的に背が高い。
Men are on average taller than women.
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.
あの男の人は誰ですか。
Who is that man?
男の人が三人来ました。
Three men came.
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.
男は黙って働け。
Men should work silently. (stereotypical saying)
Often used for 'boys' or 'young men', but can mean 'men' in contexts like sports or statistics (e.g., 'men's team').
男子トイレはあちらです。
The men's restroom is over there.
Referring to a particular set of male individuals, such as 'the men in the room' or 'those men'.
Pluralizes 男性 with the suffix たち, making it explicitly 'men' as a group. Polite and clear.
会議室に男性たちが集まっている。
The men are gathering in the conference room.
Casual plural of 男の人. Common in conversation.
あの男の人たちは誰？
Who are those men?
Japanese often omits explicit plurals. You can specify number with counters like 人 (にん) or use demonstratives.
男の人が三人います。
There are three men.
あの男の人たち、見て。
Look at 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.
The standard pair for 'men and women'.
男性と女性の平等は重要だ。
Equality between men and women is important.
Casual, sometimes blunt way to say 'men and women'. Used in everyday speech or idiomatic expressions.
男と女の考え方は違う。
Men and women think differently.
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.
Use only among close friends or in very informal settings. Can sound disrespectful.
やつらに任せておけ。
Leave it to those guys.
Archaic or theatrical way to address a group of men, like 'ye men'. Rare in modern speech.
男ども、かかれ！
Men, attack!
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'.
皆さん、こちらへどうぞ。
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, 名 (めい) is more polite: 三名様 (three gentlemen).
I am a man.