Korean word

남자

Pronunciation

Romanizationnamja

Meaning

  • nounman

Example

가게에 남자가 많아요.ka ge e nam ja ga ma na yo

There are many men in the store.

Illustration for 남자 (man)

More examples

회의에서 남자가 발표했어요.hoe ui e seo nam ja ga pal pyo hae sseo yo

A man gave a presentation at the meeting.

Core concept

A male person viewed without assumptions about age or social position.

Common phrases

  • 남자 손님nam ja son nim

    male customer

  • 남자 직원nam ja chi gwon

    male employee

  • 남자 아이nam ja a i

    boy

Similar words

남성namseong: A formal, neutral term for a male person, often used in forms or public notices.
남자분namjabun: A respectful way to refer to a male person, especially someone unfamiliar.
남자아이namjaai: A male child or boy.
남자친구namjachingu: A male romantic partner in a relationship.

Definition in Korean

성별이 남성인 사람을 이르는 말로, 나이나 지위를 특정하지 않고 남성을 일반적으로 가리킨다.seong byeo ri nam seong in sa ra meul i reu neun mal lo na i na chi wi reul teuk jjeong ha ji an ko nam seong eul il ban jeo geu ro ka ri kin da

Word origin

The Sino-Korean compound behind the word combines a meaning of male with a person-related element, forming a general word for a male person.

Usage tips

  • English man often suggests an adult, but this Korean word can refer to a male person of any age.

Opposites

Related words

  • 남성적namseongjeokmasculineadjective
  • 남성성namseongseongmasculinitynoun

Word lists with this word