male role in kabuki; kabuki actor specializing in male roles
Refers to the male role type in kabuki, or an actor who performs such roles. Contrasts with 女方 (onnagata), the female role specialist.
See also: 女形
He is famous as a kabuki actor specializing in male roles.
In this play, the interplay between the male role and the female role is a highlight.
male partner (in a relationship)
Only when written 男方
Used to refer to the male partner in a romantic or sexual relationship, often in contrast to 女方 (onnagata) for the female partner. This usage is restricted to the kanji spelling 男方.
He is my male partner.
This document requires the signature of the male partner.
女方 refers to the woman in a relationship, while 男方 refers to the man, the two terms forming a contrasting pair.
Standard kanji spelling for both the kabuki role and the relationship sense.
Alternate kanji spelling used specifically for the kabuki male role.
Compound of 男 (otoko, 'man') and 方 (kata, 'person' or 'role'). The reading おとこがた follows standard rendaku voicing of the second element.