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中文
男 — meaning in English: male
nán · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
male
集电极
jí diànjí
投票
tóupiào
路线
lùxiàn
男
nán
第二
dì èr
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use the word 男 (nán) in everyday conversations when discussing gender or addressing someone in a male context. For instance, you might hear it in phrases like 男孩 (nánhái) meaning 'boy' or when distinguishing between male and female in various social situations, such as at a family gathering or during introductions.
Synonyms & nuances
While 男 (nán) specifically refers to 'male,' another word, 男人 (nánrén), which means 'man,' adds a layer of adulthood and maturity. You would use 男 when talking about gender in a general sense, but use 男人 when referring to adult males.
Culture
The character 男 (nán) is composed of two parts: a radical meaning 'man' and a phonetic element that suggests the pronunciation. This character has ancient roots, tracing back to the Bronze Age, where it symbolized the qualities attributed to males in traditional Chinese society. The importance of gender roles in Chinese culture may make this simple word carry deeper connotations of masculinity and duty.
FAQ
