noun
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: 女方
彼は歌舞伎の男方として有名だ。
He is famous as a kabuki actor specializing in male roles.
この演目では、男方と女方の掛け合
In this play, the interplay between the male role and the female role is a highlight.
noun
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.
彼は私の男方です。
He is my male partner.
この書類には男方の署名が必要です。
This document requires the signature of the male partner.
女方 refers to the female role in kabuki or a female partner in a relationship, serving as the direct counterpart to 男方.
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.