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A1 noun #500 よく出る 10分で読める

남성

上位500

At the A1 level, you should learn '남성' as the formal word for 'man' or 'male'. While you will mostly use '남자' (nam-ja) to talk about your friends or family, you will see '남성' on signs in Korea. For example, when you go to a department store, the floor for men's clothes will be labeled '남성복'. When you see a restroom sign, it might just have the character '남' which is short for '남성'. It is important to recognize this word so you can find the right places and understand basic categories. Think of '남성' as a label you see on products or in official places. You don't need to use it in your daily speaking yet, but you should know what it means when you see it. It is pronounced 'nam-seong'. The 'nam' sounds like the 'nam' in 'Vietnam', and 'seong' sounds a bit like 'song' but with a flatter 'eo' sound. Remember that it always refers to an adult male. If you see it on a form, it means you should check that box if you are a man. It is a very useful word for navigating public spaces in Korea.

At the A2 level, you can start using '남성' in more specific contexts, especially when shopping or describing general groups of people. You might say '남성용 화장품' (cosmetics for men) or '남성복 매장' (men's clothing store). You are moving beyond just recognizing the word to using it as a modifier for other nouns. You should also understand that '남성' is the opposite of '여성' (yeo-seong), which means female. In A2, you might encounter this word in simple news articles or advertisements. For instance, an ad might say '남성들을 위한 비타민' (vitamins for men). You should practice using the correct particles with '남성'. Since it ends in a consonant, you use '남성이' for the subject and '남성을' for the object. You should also be able to distinguish between '남자' and '남성' based on how formal the situation is. If you are writing a simple report for a class, '남성' is a better choice than '남자'. It makes your Korean sound more organized and professional.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social and biological nuances of '남성'. You will hear this word in discussions about society, health, and psychology. For example, you might learn about '남성 호르몬' (male hormones) or '남성 심리' (male psychology). You should be able to use '남성' to discuss statistics or general trends. Instead of saying 'Men like soccer', which sounds like a personal opinion, you could say '많은 남성들이 축구를 좋아합니다' to sound more like you are stating a general fact. You will also encounter '남성' in compound words that describe qualities, such as '남성미' (masculine beauty/appeal) or '남성적' (masculine). You can use these to describe someone's appearance or personality in a more sophisticated way. At this level, you should also be aware of the polite form '남성분' (nam-seong-bun), which is used when talking about men in a respectful way, such as when a shop assistant addresses male customers. This shows you understand Korean honorifics and social levels.

At the B2 level, '남성' becomes a key term for discussing complex social issues. You will use it in debates about gender equality (양성평등), the role of men in the family (남성의 가사 분담), and changes in modern masculinity. You should be comfortable reading newspaper editorials that use '남성' to analyze demographic shifts, such as the '남성 육아휴직' (male parental leave) trends in Korea. You will also see it used in legal contexts, such as laws regarding '남성 병역' (male military service). Your ability to use '남성' correctly in these formal contexts will demonstrate a high level of proficiency. You should also be able to distinguish between '남성' and more poetic or archaic terms like '사내' or '장정'. For example, you might analyze how the image of '남성' has changed in Korean media from the 'tough guy' of the 1990s to the 'flower boy' (꽃미남) or 'soft male' of today. Your vocabulary should include related terms like '남성주의' (masculinism) or '남성 혐오' (misandry) when discussing social controversies.

At the C1 level, you are expected to use '남성' with precision in academic, literary, and professional settings. You should understand the historical etymology of the Hanja characters (男 + 性) and how they influence the word's usage in different East Asian cultures. You might explore the concept of '남성성' (masculinity) in literature or film criticism, analyzing how it is constructed and deconstructed. In professional environments, you will use '남성' in high-level reports, perhaps discussing '남성 소비자의 구매 패턴' (buying patterns of male consumers) or '남성 중심적 조직 문화' (male-centered organizational culture). You should also be sensitive to the nuances of gender-neutral language and how '남성' is used in contemporary feminist discourse in Korea. Your speaking should reflect an effortless transition between '남자' and '남성' depending on the audience and the topic. You should be able to interpret subtle differences in tone when a speaker chooses '남성' over '남자' to create distance or authority. This level of mastery involves not just knowing the word, but understanding its weight in the Korean linguistic landscape.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native understanding of '남성' and its myriad applications. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the nature of the '남성' identity in the 21st century, perhaps referencing sociological theories or historical shifts from the Joseon dynasty to the present. You can appreciate the use of '남성' in classical poetry or high-brow literature where it might be used to evoke specific archetypes. You are capable of writing professional-grade articles or academic papers where '남성' is used to define biological, social, and legal categories with absolute clarity. You understand the subtle play of power and respect inherent in the word. For example, you can analyze how the term '남성' is used in political rhetoric to appeal to certain demographics. You also understand the linguistic evolution of the word and can identify when it is being used ironically or subversively in modern subcultures. Your mastery of '남성' is complete, allowing you to use it as a tool for sophisticated communication, whether you are delivering a keynote speech or writing a complex legal brief.

練習する例文メモとヒント

남성 30秒で

남성 is the formal and biological term for 'male' or 'man' in Korean, contrasting with the more casual '남자'.
It is frequently used in retail (남성복), medicine (남성 호르몬), and official documents to categorize gender.
The word is derived from Hanja: 男 (male) and 性 (nature/sex), literally meaning 'male nature'.
While '남자' is used for friends and family, '남성' is used for general groups or professional descriptions.

The Korean word 남성 (Nam-seong) is a formal and biological term used to refer to a male human being. While the more common word for 'man' in everyday conversation is 남자 (Nam-ja), 남성 carries a more clinical, statistical, or professional nuance. It is derived from the Hanja characters 男 (Nam) meaning 'male' and 性 (Seong) meaning 'nature' or 'sex/gender'. Therefore, its literal translation is 'male gender' or 'male sex'. In modern Korean society, you will encounter this word most frequently in contexts such as medical reports, demographic surveys, formal fashion (men's wear), and sociological discussions. It is the standard term used when discussing gender as a category rather than referring to a specific individual in a casual setting. For example, a clothing store will have a section labeled 남성복 (men's clothing) rather than 남자복. Understanding the distinction between these two words is crucial for achieving natural-sounding Korean. Using 남성 in a casual conversation with friends might sound overly stiff or scientific, whereas using 남자 in a formal research paper might seem too informal.

Biological Context: Used in medical settings to describe the male sex, such as in '남성 호르몬' (male hormones).
Sociological Context: Used when discussing gender roles or statistics, such as '남성 실업률' (male unemployment rate).
Commercial Context: Used in marketing and retail, specifically for products designed for men, like '남성용 화장품' (cosmetics for men).

이 제품은 남성 전용 면도기입니다. (This product is a razor exclusively for men.)

In literature and high-level discourse, 남성 is also used to discuss the concept of masculinity or the male experience in a broader sense. It contrasts directly with 여성 (Yeo-seong), the formal word for female/woman. The word is inherently respectful but detached. If you are describing a man's character or physical traits in a story, you might use 남성 to give the narrative a more sophisticated or objective tone. For instance, '남성적인 매력' (masculine charm) sounds more refined than '남자다운 매력'.

그는 매우 남성적인 목소리를 가지고 있다. (He has a very masculine voice.)

Furthermore, the term is essential in legal and administrative language. Laws regarding military service, employment equality, and social welfare frequently use 남성 to ensure clarity and professional distance. In the workplace, while you might refer to a colleague as a '남자 직원' (male employee) in conversation, the HR department's official records will likely categorize them under '남성'. This distinction helps maintain a level of formality expected in Korean corporate culture.

우리 회사는 남성 육아휴직을 권장합니다. (Our company encourages male parental leave.)

Usage Frequency: High in formal writing, news, and retail; Moderate in daily speech.
Tone: Objective, formal, respectful, and professional.

설문 조사에 참여한 남성들의 의견입니다. (These are the opinions of the men who participated in the survey.)

이 구역은 남성 전용 휴게실입니다. (This area is a lounge exclusively for men.)

Using 남성 correctly requires an understanding of Korean sentence structure and the appropriate level of formality. Since 남성 is a noun, it can function as a subject, object, or modifier. When used as a subject, it is often followed by the particles -은/는 or -이/가. For example, '남성은 강하다' (Men are strong) uses the topic particle to make a general statement. When used as a modifier, it often precedes another noun to specify that the following item is for or related to men. This is where you see compound words like 남성복 (men's clothing) or 남성미 (masculine beauty).

As a Subject: 남성이 사회에서 맡는 역할이 변하고 있습니다. (The roles that men play in society are changing.)
As an Object: 이 광고는 20대 남성을 겨냥하고 있습니다. (This advertisement is targeting men in their 20s.)
As a Modifier: 남성 패션 잡지를 읽는 것을 좋아합니다. (I like reading men's fashion magazines.)

그는 남성복 매장에서 일합니다. (He works at a men's clothing store.)

In academic or journalistic writing, 남성 is paired with specific verbs like 조사하다 (to investigate), 분석하다 (to analyze), or 차지하다 (to occupy/account for). For example, '남성이 전체의 60%를 차지했다' (Men accounted for 60% of the total). This level of precision is expected in formal reports. In contrast, if you were telling a story about a specific man you met, you would likely use '그 남자' (that man) or '한 남자' (a man). Using 남성 in that context would make the man sound like a specimen in a study rather than a person.

많은 남성들이 이 운동에 참여했습니다. (Many men participated in this movement.)

이 화장품은 남성 피부에 적합합니다. (This cosmetic is suitable for male skin.)

Common Verb Pairings: 남성을 대상으로 하다 (to target men), 남성을 선호하다 (to prefer men), 남성을 고용하다 (to hire men).
Formal Ending: Since '남성' is formal, it is almost always used with formal sentence endings like '-습니다' or '-어요'.

남성의 평균 수명은 여성보다 짧습니다. (The average lifespan of men is shorter than that of women.)

그는 남성 합창단의 단원입니다. (He is a member of the male choir.)

You will hear 남성 in various real-world scenarios in Korea. One of the most common places is in a department store or a shopping mall. When looking for the men's section, you will see signs for 남성 패션 or 남성 정장 (men's suits). Sales associates will use this term when describing products: '이 제품은 남성분들께 인기가 많습니다' (This product is popular among men). Notice the addition of '-분' (남성분), which is a polite way to refer to people. In the news, anchors use 남성 to report on crime, social trends, or economic data. For example, '30대 남성이 경찰에 체포되었습니다' (A man in his 30s was arrested by the police). This is standard journalistic practice to maintain objectivity.

In Public Places: Restroom signs often say '남' or '남성용' alongside '여' or '여성용'.
In Media: Documentaries discussing '남성의 심리' (male psychology) or '남성의 건강' (male health).
In Professional Settings: Conferences where speakers might address '남성 리더십' (male leadership).

백화점 5층은 남성 의류 매장입니다. (The 5th floor of the department store is the men's clothing store.)

Another frequent location is the gym or health clinics. You might see posters for '남성 전용 헬스장' (men-only gym) or medical services like '남성 갱년기' (male menopause/andropause). In these contexts, the word emphasizes the biological aspect of being male. Even in the beauty industry, which has grown significantly for men in Korea, you will see '남성 전문 미용실' (men's specialty hair salon) or '남성 그루밍' (male grooming) products. The word 남성 elevates the branding, making it feel more sophisticated than just saying '남자'.

최근 남성들의 피부 관리에 대한 관심이 높아졌습니다. (Recently, men's interest in skincare has increased.)

이 잡지는 남성 독자들을 위한 정보를 제공합니다. (This magazine provides information for male readers.)

Public Announcements: '남성 여러분, 주목해 주십시오' (Men, please pay attention) in a formal gathering.
Academic Lectures: '남성 호르몬인 테스토스테론은...' (The male hormone testosterone is...).

남성용 향수를 선물로 샀어요. (I bought a men's perfume as a gift.)

그 영화는 남성 관객들에게 큰 호응을 얻었습니다. (The movie received a great response from male audiences.)

The most common mistake learners make is overusing 남성 in casual speech. Because many textbooks introduce 남성 and 여성 early on, students sometimes use them where 남자 and 여자 would be much more natural. For example, if you are talking about your brother or a male friend, saying '그 남성은 제 친구예요' (That male is my friend) sounds incredibly strange and robotic. It's like saying 'That male human is my friend' in English. Instead, you should say '그 남자는 제 친구예요'. Another mistake is confusing 남성 with 남편 (husband). While both start with '남', they are completely different words.

Mistake 1: Over-formality: Using '남성' when talking about personal relationships or specific individuals in a casual setting.
Mistake 2: Particle Errors: Forgetting that '남성' ends in a consonant, so it takes '-이' (subject) and '-을' (object).
Mistake 3: Context Mismatch: Using '남성' for children. Usually, '남성' implies an adult male. For boys, '남자아이' or '남아' is used.

Incorrect: 제 남성친구는 친절해요. (My male friend is kind - sounds like a scientific report.)

Another nuance is the use of '남성' in gender-neutral or inclusive language. In modern Korea, there is a growing awareness of gender terms. While '남성' is the standard formal term, using it in a way that reinforces stereotypes can be seen as insensitive in certain academic or progressive circles. For example, assuming a '남성' is always the head of the household is an outdated concept. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the pronunciation of the 'ㅇ' at the end of '성'. It should be a clear 'ng' sound, not a soft 'n'. If you mispronounce it as '남선', it might be confused with a name or another word.

Incorrect: 남성가 옷을 사요. (The male buys clothes - wrong particle.)

Correct: 남성이 옷을 사요. (The male buys clothes.)

Pronunciation Tip: Make sure the 'ㅁ' in '남' is closed firmly, and the 'ㅇ' in '성' is nasal.
Word Choice: When in doubt, use '남자' for people you know and '남성' for people in general or in formal writing.

Incorrect: 그는 남성이다. (He is a male - grammatically correct but socially cold.)

Better: 그는 남자예요. (He is a man.)

To truly master the word 남성, you must understand its relationship with other words that mean 'man' or 'male'. The most direct synonym is 남자 (Nam-ja), but as discussed, the difference lies in formality and context. Another word is 사내 (Sa-nae), which is a more traditional or rugged way to say 'man' or 'lad'. It's often used in phrases like '사내대장부' (a great man). Then there is 신사 (Sin-sa), which means 'gentleman'. This is used when you want to emphasize politeness and good manners. In a formal announcement, you might hear '신사 숙녀 여러분' (Ladies and gentlemen).

남성 vs 남자: 남성 is formal/biological; 남자 is common/general. You buy '남성복' but you have a '남자친구'.
남성 vs 사내: 남성 is objective; 사내 is often used to describe a 'tough' or 'real' man in a traditional sense.
남성 vs 신사: 남성 is a gender category; 신사 is a title of respect for a man's character.

그는 진정한 신사입니다. (He is a true gentleman.)

For younger males, you would use 소년 (So-nyeon) meaning 'boy'. This is formal, like '남성'. The casual version is 남자아이 (Nam-ja-a-i). In historical dramas (Sageuk), you might hear 사내 (Sa-nae) or 장정 (Jang-jeong), the latter referring to a robust young man, often in the context of labor or military service. Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the word that fits the 'vibe' of your sentence. If you are writing a poem about the strength of men, 사내 might be more evocative. If you are writing a news report about a male athlete, 남성 or 남자 would be appropriate depending on the sentence structure.

어린 소년이 길을 걷고 있습니다. (A young boy is walking on the street.)

그는 씩씩한 사내입니다. (He is a brave man/lad.)

Antonym: 여성 (Yeo-seong): The direct opposite of 남성, meaning female/woman in a formal context.
Antonym: 여자 (Yeo-ja): The casual opposite of 남자.

이곳은 남성과 여성이 모두 이용할 수 있습니다. (This place can be used by both men and women.)

그는 남성다운 기개가 있습니다. (He has a masculine spirit.)

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"본 설문은 성인 남성을 대상으로 합니다."

ニュートラル

"남성복은 백화점 5층에 있습니다."

カジュアル

"그는 참 남성적인 매력이 있어."

Child friendly

"남성 화장실은 파란색 그림이 있어요."

スラング

"그 형 진짜 남성미 쩐다!"

豆知識

The character 男 (nam) literally depicts 'power' (力) applied to a 'field' (田), reflecting the traditional agrarian role of men in ancient China and Korea.

発音ガイド

UK /nam.sʌŋ/

US /nam.sʌŋ/

The stress is equal on both syllables, though the first syllable '남' might feel slightly stronger in isolation.

韻が合う語

감성 (gam-seong - sensitivity) 여성 (yeo-seong - female) 정성 (jeong-seong - sincerity) 음성 (eum-seong - voice) 행성 (haeng-seong - planet) 개성 (gae-seong - individuality) 본성 (bon-seong - nature) 함성 (ham-seong - shout)

よくある間違い

Pronouncing '성' as '선' (sun) without the nasal 'ng'.
Making the 'a' in 'nam' too long like 'naam'.
Failing to close the lips for the 'm' in 'nam'.
Pronouncing 'eo' like 'o' (song).
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end (nam-seong-eu).

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize on signs and in text.

ライティング 2/5

Easy, but must remember the correct Hanja-based spelling.

スピーキング 2/5

Requires clear pronunciation of the final nasal 'ng'.

リスニング 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in formal speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

남자 (man) 사람 (person) 성별 (gender)

次に学ぶ

여성 (female) 성격 (personality) 외모 (appearance)

上級

가부장제 (patriarchy) 양성평등 (gender equality) 정체성 (identity)

知っておくべき文法

-용 (For the use of)

남성용 (For men), 여성용 (For women)

-적 (Suffix to make a noun an adjective)

남성적 (Masculine), 여성적 (Feminine)

-들 (Plural marker)

남성들 (Men)

-분 (Polite counter/suffix for people)

남성분 (Polite way to say 'man')

-성 (Suffix for nature/quality)

남성성 (Masculinity), 여성성 (Femininity)

レベル別の例文

저는 남성입니다.

I am a male.

-입니다 is the formal 'to be' ending.

남성복은 3층에 있어요.

Men's clothing is on the 3rd floor.

남성복 is a compound of 남성 (male) and 복 (clothes).

이곳은 남성 전용입니다.

This place is for men only.

전용 means 'exclusive use'.

남성 구두를 사고 싶어요.

I want to buy men's shoes.

구두 means formal shoes.

그 남성은 키가 커요.

That male is tall.

-은 is the topic particle.

남성 화장실이 어디예요?

Where is the men's restroom?

화장실 means restroom.

남성용 비누입니다.

It is soap for men.

-용 means 'for the use of'.

남성 한 명이 왔어요.

One man came.

명 is the counter for people.

남성복 매장이 아주 넓어요.

The men's clothing store is very wide.

매장 means store or shop.

이 잡지는 남성들에게 인기가 많아요.

This magazine is very popular among men.

-들에게 means 'to/among (plural)'.

남성용 향수를 선물했어요.

I gave men's perfume as a gift.

선물하다 means to give a gift.

그는 남성적인 매력이 있어요.

He has masculine charm.

-적인 makes a noun into an adjective.

남성 정장을 입어 보세요.

Please try on the men's suit.

정장 means formal suit.

남성 건강에 좋은 음식입니다.

It is food that is good for men's health.

건강 means health.

남성 관객들이 박수를 쳤어요.

The male audience members clapped.

관객 means audience.

이 신발은 남성 사이즈입니다.

These shoes are in men's sizes.

사이즈 is the loanword for size.

남성 호르몬 수치를 검사했어요.

I checked my male hormone levels.

수치 means numerical value or level.

남성 심리에 관한 책을 읽고 있어요.

I am reading a book about male psychology.

-에 관한 means 'about' or 'concerning'.

남성들의 가사 참여가 늘고 있습니다.

Men's participation in housework is increasing.

가사 means housework.

이 영화는 남성미가 넘치는 액션 영화입니다.

This movie is an action film full of masculine beauty.

넘치다 means to overflow.

남성 육아휴직 제도가 개선되었습니다.

The male parental leave system has been improved.

제도 means system.

남성 전문 미용실에서 머리를 잘랐어요.

I got my hair cut at a men's specialty hair salon.

전문 means specialty.

남성 암 예방을 위한 캠페인입니다.

It is a campaign for the prevention of male cancer.

예방 means prevention.

남성 합창단의 공연이 인상적이었어요.

The male choir's performance was impressive.

인상적 means impressive.

남성 중심의 사회 구조가 변화하고 있습니다.

The male-centered social structure is changing.

중심 means center or focused on.

남성 실업률이 지난달보다 하락했습니다.

The male unemployment rate decreased compared to last month.

실업률 means unemployment rate.

남성다움에 대한 사회적 정의가 달라졌어요.

The social definition of masculinity has changed.

정의 means definition.

남성 피부는 여성보다 두껍고 유분이 많습니다.

Male skin is thicker and oilier than female skin.

유분 means oil content.

남성 갱년기 증상을 겪는 사람들이 많습니다.

There are many people experiencing male menopause symptoms.

증상 means symptom.

남성 소비자를 겨냥한 마케팅 전략입니다.

It is a marketing strategy targeting male consumers.

겨냥하다 means to target.

남성 1인 가구가 급격히 증가하고 있습니다.

Male single-person households are increasing rapidly.

1인 가구 means single-person household.

남성 연대라는 개념이 논의되고 있습니다.

The concept of male solidarity is being discussed.

연대 means solidarity.

남성성의 재구성에 대한 논문을 썼습니다.

I wrote a thesis on the reconstruction of masculinity.

재구성 means reconstruction.

남성 편향적인 알고리즘의 위험성을 경고했습니다.

Warned about the dangers of male-biased algorithms.

편향적 means biased.

남성 우월주의는 현대 사회에서 비판받습니다.

Male chauvinism is criticized in modern society.

우월주의 means chauvinism or supremacism.

남성 해방 운동의 역사적 배경을 조사했습니다.

Investigated the historical background of the men's liberation movement.

해방 means liberation.

남성 호르몬의 불균형이 건강에 미치는 영향입니다.

The impact of male hormone imbalance on health.

불균형 means imbalance.

남성 육아의 중요성이 학계에서 강조되고 있습니다.

The importance of male parenting is being emphasized in academia.

강조되다 means to be emphasized.

남성 중심적 서사 구조를 탈피한 작품입니다.

It is a work that breaks away from the male-centered narrative structure.

탈피하다 means to break away from or shed.

남성 인권 보호를 위한 법적 장치가 필요합니다.

Legal mechanisms for protecting male human rights are necessary.

장치 means device or mechanism.

남성이라는 기표가 지닌 기의를 분석해야 합니다.

We must analyze the signified carried by the signifier 'male'.

기표 (signifier) and 기의 (signified) are linguistic terms.

남성적 숭고미의 미학적 가치를 탐구합니다.

Exploring the aesthetic value of masculine sublimity.

숭고미 means sublimity.

남성 담론의 지형 변화를 면밀히 고찰했습니다.

Closely examined the changes in the landscape of male discourse.

고찰하다 means to examine or contemplate.

남성 주체성의 형성과 사회적 억압의 관계입니다.

The relationship between the formation of male subjectivity and social oppression.

주체성 means subjectivity.

남성 권력의 해체와 새로운 성 역할의 정립입니다.

The deconstruction of male power and the establishment of new gender roles.

해체 means deconstruction.

남성 신체의 상품화에 대한 비판적 시각입니다.

A critical perspective on the commodification of the male body.

상품화 means commodification.

남성 중심의 가부장제가 미치는 폐해를 논했습니다.

Discussed the harmful effects of the male-centered patriarchy.

가부장제 means patriarchy.

남성 정체성의 다원성을 인정하는 태도가 필요합니다.

An attitude that recognizes the plurality of male identity is necessary.

다원성 means plurality or diversity.

よく使う組み合わせ

남성 호르몬

남성복 매장

남성 전용

남성적인 매력

남성 육아휴직

남성 화장품

남성 중심

남성 정장

남성 독자

남성 피부

よく使うフレーズ

남성용

남성미

남성답다

남성성

남성 편향

남성 우월

남성 갱년기

남성 해방

남성 합창단

남성 잡지

よく混同される語

남성 vs 남편

Means 'husband'. Don't confuse it with '남성' just because they both start with '남'.

남성 vs 남자

The more common word for 'man'. Use '남자' for friends and '남성' for formal categories.

남성 vs 남아

Means 'male child'. '남성' usually implies an adult.

慣用句と表現

"사내 대장부"

A great, brave, and strong man.

그는 진정한 사내 대장부다.

Traditional

"남성미가 넘치다"

To be overflowing with masculine charm.

그 배우는 남성미가 넘쳐요.

Common

"남성다운 기개"

A manly spirit or backbone.

그는 남성다운 기개가 있다.

Formal

"남성 위주의 사회"

A male-dominated society.

과거에는 남성 위주의 사회였다.

Sociological

"남성 전유물"

Something considered exclusively for men.

정치는 더 이상 남성의 전유물이 아니다.

Formal

"남성 호르몬이 솟구치다"

To have a surge of male hormones (often used jokingly for aggression or energy).

운동을 하니 남성 호르몬이 솟구치는 것 같아.

Slangy/Informal

"남성다운 맛"

A 'manly' quality or flavor (often about food or style).

이 옷은 남성다운 맛이 있어요.

Informal

"남성 중심적 사고"

Male-centered thinking.

남성 중심적 사고에서 벗어나야 합니다.

Academic

"남성들의 로망"

A dream or desire shared by many men.

스포츠카는 남성들의 로망이죠.

Common

"남성미를 발산하다"

To radiate masculine beauty.

무대 위에서 남성미를 발산했어요.

Media

間違えやすい

남성 vs 남성

Formal vs Casual

남성 is for formal/biological categories; 남자 is for everyday people.

남성복 (Men's wear) vs 멋진 남자 (Cool man)

남성 vs 남성적

Noun vs Adjective

남성 is a noun (male); 남성적 is an adjective (masculine).

그는 남성이다 (He is a male) vs 그는 남성적이다 (He is masculine)

남성 vs 남성미

Gender vs Beauty

남성 is the gender; 남성미 is the aesthetic appeal of being male.

남성 인구 (Male population) vs 남성미 발산 (Radiating masculine charm)

남성 vs 남성용

Noun vs Purpose

남성 is the person; 남성용 is the purpose of an object.

남성이 왔다 (A male came) vs 남성용 구두 (Shoes for men)

남성 vs 여성

Opposites

남성 is male; 여성 is female. They are often used together in pairs.

남성과 여성 (Men and women)

文型パターン

저는 [Noun]입니다.

저는 남성입니다.

[Noun]은/는 [Location]에 있어요.

남성복은 3층에 있어요.

이것은 [Noun]용입니다.

이것은 남성용입니다.

그는 [Noun]적인 매력이 있어요.

그는 남성적인 매력이 있어요.

[Noun]에 관한 책을 읽어요.

남성 심리에 관한 책을 읽어요.

[Noun]들이 [Verb]고 있습니다.

남성들이 운동하고 있습니다.

[Noun]을 대상으로 조사했습니다.

남성을 대상으로 조사했습니다.

[Noun]의 비율이 증가하고 있습니다.

남성의 비율이 증가하고 있습니다.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Very high in formal and commercial contexts.

よくある間違い

제 남성친구예요. → 제 남자 친구예요.
'남성친구' sounds like a scientific classification. Use '남자 친구' for a boyfriend or male friend.
남성가 옷을 사요. → 남성이 옷을 사요.
'남성' ends in a consonant, so the subject particle must be '-이', not '-가'.
남성복은 3층에 있나요? (to a friend) → 남자 옷은 3층에 있어?
Using '남성복' in a very casual conversation with a close friend can sound a bit stiff.
남성 호르몬이 많아요. (referring to a boy) → 남자아이인데 호르몬이...
While biologically correct, '남성' is usually reserved for adults in social contexts.
그는 남성다워요. (in a formal report) → 그는 남성적입니다.
'남성적' is more suitable for formal writing than the descriptive '남성답다'.

ヒント

Shopping Tip

When shopping online in Korea, look for the '남성' category to find men's products quickly.

Particle Tip

Always use '-이' or '-을' after '남성' because it ends in a consonant. Never use '-가' or '-를'.

Politeness Tip

Use '남성분' when talking to a male stranger in a professional setting, like a customer or a client.

Clear Ending

Make sure the 'ng' in 'seong' is clear. If it sounds like 'n', people might get confused.

Formal Writing

In university assignments or business emails, '남성' is always preferred over '남자'.

Restroom Tip

Restroom signs often use the single character '남' (blue) for men and '여' (red) for women.

Compound Words

Learn '남성용' (for men) as a single block; it's incredibly common on product packaging.

News Tip

News anchors almost always use '남성' when referring to individuals in their reports.

Hanja Tip

Remember the 'field' and 'strength' in the character 男 to never forget it means male.

Distinction Tip

Think of '남성' as 'Male' and '남자' as 'Man'. This helps you choose the right word in English-to-Korean translation.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'NAM' as a 'MAN' spelled backwards (almost). 'SEONG' sounds like 'SONG'. A MAN singing a SONG is a NAM-SEONG.

視覚的連想

Imagine a formal sign on a department store floor with a silhouette of a man in a suit and the word '남성'.

Word Web

남성복 남성미 남성성 여성 남자 남성용 남성 호르몬 남성적

チャレンジ

Try to find three items in your house that could be labeled '남성용' and say their names in Korean.

語源

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). 男 (남) + 性 (성).

元の意味：男 means 'male' (composed of 'field' 田 and 'strength' 力, symbolizing a man working in the field). 性 means 'nature' or 'sex'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

文化的な背景

Be careful not to use '남성' when you should use '남자' for friends, as it can sound like you are talking about them as a biological specimen.

In English, 'male' can sometimes sound cold, but in Korean, '남성' is the standard respectful formal term.

남성미 (Masculine beauty) is a common trope in K-pop and K-dramas. The '남성 합창단' (Male Choir) segment in the show 'Qualifications of a Man' was very famous. Many Korean skincare brands have 'For Men' or '남성용' lines.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Shopping

남성복 어디예요? (Where is men's clothing?)
남성용인가요? (Is this for men?)
남성 사이즈 있어요? (Do you have men's sizes?)
남성 향수 추천해 주세요. (Please recommend a men's perfume.)

Medical

남성 호르몬 검사 (Male hormone test)
남성 건강 검진 (Male health checkup)
남성 갱년기 증상 (Male menopause symptoms)
남성 비타민 (Male vitamins)

Public Places

남성 화장실 (Men's restroom)
남성 전용 구역 (Men-only area)
남성 탈의실 (Men's changing room)
남성 휴게실 (Men's lounge)

Official Forms

성별: 남 (Gender: Male)
남성 응답자 (Male respondent)
남성 인구 (Male population)
남성 고용률 (Male employment rate)

Social Media/Fashion

남성 패션 (Men's fashion)
남성 그루밍 (Men's grooming)
남성 데일리룩 (Men's daily look)
남성 코디 (Men's styling)

会話のきっかけ

"남성복 매장이 어디에 있는지 아세요? (Do you know where the men's clothing store is?)"

"남성용 화장품을 선물하고 싶은데 추천해 주시겠어요? (I want to gift some men's cosmetics, could you recommend some?)"

"요즘 남성들 사이에서 유행하는 패션이 뭐예요? (What is the trendy fashion among men these days?)"

"남성 육아휴직에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about male parental leave?)"

"남성적인 매력이란 무엇이라고 생각하시나요? (What do you think masculine charm is?)"

日記のテーマ

오늘 본 남성 패션에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the men's fashion you saw today.)

남성과 여성의 사회적 역할 차이에 대해 생각해 보세요. (Think about the difference in social roles between men and women.)

내가 생각하는 '남성다움'은 무엇인가요? (What is 'manliness' to me?)

남성 전용 공간이 필요한 이유에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about why men-only spaces are necessary.)

좋아하는 남성 배우나 가수의 매력을 설명해 보세요. (Explain the charm of your favorite male actor or singer.)

よくある質問

10 問

No, that would be very strange. Use '남자 친구' or just his name. '남성' is too formal for personal relationships.

Usually, yes. While it biologically means male, in social contexts, it implies an adult. For boys, '남아' or '남자아이' is better.

In department stores (clothing sections), on restroom signs (sometimes just '남'), and in news reports.

It is formal and respectful, but to be even more polite when referring to a specific person, use '남성분'.

It is 男性. 男 (male) and 性 (nature/sex).

You say '남성복' (nam-seong-bok).

Technically yes in a biological sense, but usually '수컷' (su-keot) is used for male animals.

'남성적' is more formal/academic (masculine), while '남자답다' is more common (manly).

Only if you are being funny or very formal. Usually, you would use '남자'.

The opposite is '여성' (yeo-seong).