About this Draft
This page is part of the early access version of The Kanji Speedrun. The essentials—kanji meanings and mnemonics—are already in place and usable, but nearly every part of the page is still being polished. Some entries may contain mistakes, but please rest assured we are working hard to make revisions.
We’re sharing these drafts now so you can keep learning while we polish the full experience. If you notice something off, please don’t hesitate to let me know—it’s a huge help in improving the course!
男
MAN
Mnemonic
This kanji combines 田 (rice field) on top and 力 (power) on the bottom. Long ago, the image was of someone using their strength to work the fields — a classic picture of a MAN.
男 combines two kanji you already know: 田 and 力. Notice how often new characters build from familiar parts.
Example Vocabulary
- 男（おとこ） – man, male
- 男性（だんせい） – male, man
- 男子（だんし） – boy, young man
- 長男（ちょうなん） – eldest son
- 男前（おとこまえ） – handsome man
More than one word for “man”
Japanese has several ways to say “man”: everyday 男, the more formal 男性, and the youthful 男子.
Expressions like 長男 and 男前 show how 男 also branches into family and character.
Example Sentences
- 彼は男前で人気があります。– He’s handsome and popular.
- 兄は家族の長男です。– My older brother is the eldest son.