38
男
Man, Male
おとこ (otoko)
JLPT N5
Interesting Fact
Every winter, thousands of men take part in "Hadaka Matsuri", Japan's famous "Naked Festival." Wearing little more than a traditional loincloth, they brave the cold and push through packed crowds to receive sacred objects believed to bring good fortune. The tradition grew from ancient purification rituals, where enduring hardship was seen as a way to drive away bad luck and begin the year renewed.
Memory Trick
A rice field (田) doesn't plow itself. It takes a man with strength (力) to work it. That's why 田 + 力 = 男.
Readings
Onyomi: ダン (dan), ナン (nan)
Kunyomi: おとこ (otoko)
Example Words
男
おとこ (otoko)
Man
男の子
おとこのこ (otokonoko)
Boy
男性
だんせい (dansei)
Male
長男
ちょうなん (chounan)
Eldest son
Example Sentence
あの男の人は先生です。
あの おとこ の ひと は せんせい です。
ano otoko no hito wa sensei desu
That man is a teacher.