Japanese for Kids · Level 5
84 words
Japanese word
男の人
Pronunciation
Romajiotokonohito
Meaning
- nounman
Example
男の人が本を読んでいます。otoko no hito ga hon o yo n de i ma su
A man is reading a book.
More examples
店の前に男の人が立っています。mise no mae ni otoko no hito ga ta tte i ma su
A man is standing in front of the store.
Core concept
It refers to a male person in a neutral and moderately polite way, often when speaking about an adult.
Common phrases
男の人と話すotoko no hito to hana su
talk with a man
男の人に道を聞くotoko no hito ni michi o ki ku
ask a man for directions
男の人の名前otoko no hito no na mae
a man's name
Similar words
男性dansei: A male person referred to in formal, neutral, or official language.
男otoko: A male person referred to in informal or blunt language.
Definition in Japanese
男性である人を、比較的丁寧に指す表現。dan sei de a ru hito o hi kaku teki tei nei ni sa su hyō gen
Word origin
In 男の人 (otoko no hito), 男 (otoko, "male") is joined to 人 (hito, "person") by の (no), creating a familiar expression for a male person.
Usage tips
- When a person's name is unknown or not relevant, Japanese often uses 男の人 (otoko no hito) to identify him in everyday situations.
Opposites
- 女性joseiwomannoun