Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'men and women' depends on context. The most common phrase is 男女 (danjo), used in formal, written, or statistical contexts. In casual speech, 男と女 (otoko to onna) or 男の人と女の人 (otoko no hito to onna no hito) are more natural. For 'men and women' as a collective group, 老若男女 (rounyaku nannyo) means 'men and women of all ages'. Note that direct translation of 'men and women' can sound stiff; often the concept is implied or expressed differently.
Referring to men and women as two groups, often in formal, statistical, or general statements.
The standard compound for 'men and women'. Used in news, surveys, formal contexts. Can feel stiff in casual conversation.
男女平等が重要です。
Gender equality is important.
この調査は男女を対象としています。
This survey targets men and women.
Casual, conversational way to say 'men and women'. Often used in everyday speech.
男と女の考え方は違うよね。
Men and women think differently, don't they?
More polite/formal than 男と女. Used in presentations, announcements, or when being respectful.
男性と女性で結果が異なりました。
The results differed between men and women.
Polite, everyday phrase. Slightly wordy but natural in spoken Japanese.
男の人と女の人、どっちが好き？
Which do you like, men or women?
Emphasizing that the group includes both sexes across all age groups.
Set phrase meaning 'men and women of all ages'. Often used in contexts like 'popular among everyone'.
このゲームは老若男女に人気です。
This game is popular with men and women of all ages.
Talking about men and women in the context of relationships, dating, or attraction.
Often used in titles of songs, movies, or discussions about romance. Implies the dynamic between the sexes.
男と女の間には友情は成立するのか？
Can men and women just be friends?
Refers to romantic or sexual relationships between men and women.
二人は男女の仲になった。
The two became romantically involved.
Directly translating 'men and women' as 男と女 can sound blunt or overly categorical. In many situations, it's more natural to use 男性と女性 (polite) or simply refer to people without specifying gender unless necessary.
男女 is a compound used in formal writing and statistics. 男性と女性 is more polite and used in spoken announcements or respectful contexts. 男と女 is casual and can sound rough or intimate depending on context.