KANJI: DAN NAN otoko (man, male)

ASCII Art Representation:

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Character Etymology:

This character is usually explained as a strength (at bottom) out in the fields; although, there is also a contending theory that fields was used purely phonetically to express the word reliable, to give a combined meaning of reliable strength.

Other Information:

If you only learn one character, learn this one. If you ever find yourself in Eastern Asia or in an East-Asian section of town, by knowing this character it will ensure you go into the right bathroom!

A Listing of All On-Yomi and Kun-Yomi Readings:

on-yomi: DAN NAN
kun-yomi: otoko o

Nanori Readings:

Nanori: mi

English Definitions:

1. DAN: baron, man, male.
2. NAN: counter for sons.
3. otoko, onoko: man, male; fellow; adult; manhood; male servant; paramour.
4. otoko(rashii): manly, manful.
5. otoko(datera) ni: unmanly.

Character Index Numbers:

New Nelson: 3731
Henshall: 54

Unicode Encoded Version:

男

Unicode Encoded Compound Examples:

男性 (dansei): the male sex.
男気 (otokogi): gallantry.
男女 (danjo): men and women.
男女共学 (danjo kyougaku): coeducation.
男根 (dankon): penis, phallus.
男色 (danshoku, nanshoku, okama): sodomy; male homosexual.

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