Quick answer
男 is the kanji for "Man". The most common reading is おとこ (otoko). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Man
Also : Boy · Male
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
A rice field (田) with muscle/strength below — a man is traditionally the one working the rice paddies with physical strength.
だん (dan) sounds like "Dan" — a typical man's name.
Example Sentences
あの男性は先生です。
あのだんせいはせんせいです。
That man is a teacher.
男の子はサッカーをしています。
おとこのこはさっかーをしています。
The boy is playing soccer.
Vocabulary using 男
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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