Korean word

남

Pronunciation

Romanizationnam

Meaning

  • nounman

Example

입구 오른쪽은 남, 왼쪽은 여예요.ip kku o reun jjo geun nam oen jjo geun yeo ye yo

A man is on the right of the entrance, and a woman is on the left.

Illustration for 남 (man)

More examples

남동생이 저보다 키가 커요.nam dong saeng i cheo bo da ki ga keo yo

My younger brother is taller than I am.

Core concept

A human being understood as a man rather than a woman.

Common phrases

  • 남자nam ja

    man

  • 남자친구nam ja chin gu

    boyfriend

  • 남동생nam dong saeng

    younger brother

Similar words

남자namja: A common everyday word for a male person of any age.
남성namseong: A formal word for a male person in public or official settings.
남성분namseongbun: A respectful way to refer to a male person in polite situations.

Definition in Korean

남성인 사람을 가리키는 말.nam seong in sa ra meul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

남 (nam, "male person") is the Sino-Korean reading of the hanja character meaning a male person.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this compact form is more natural in labels and categories than as a stand-alone way to refer to someone.

Other meanings

  • other peoplenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word