成人男性
seijin dansei
The Japanese phrase for "adult man" is 成人男性 (seijin dansei).
成人男性 refers to a male person who has reached the legal age of adulthood.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 成人 (seijin), meaning 'adult' and 男性 (dansei), meaning 'male'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 成人男性 is used in formal contexts such as news reports, legal documents or statistical data.
How do you pronounce it?
seijin dansei
Did you know?
- Despite the legal change to 18, the legal age for purchasing alcohol and tobacco remains 20, creating a gap where one is a 成人 but cannot legally drink.
- In Japan, the term 成人 (seijin) is closely linked to a national holiday called 成人式 (Seijin Shiki), where people celebrate reaching the age of majority.
- The word 男性 (dansei) specifically emphasizes 'male' in a biological or formal sense, whereas a more common way to say 'man' in a social context is 男の人 (otoko no hito).
Examples in context
- このお土産は当地で作られた おとなの男性 向けのものです。This souvenir is specifically for adult men made locally.
- あの おっさん は面白い話をいつもしてくれるよ。That middle-aged man always tells interesting stories.
- 成人男性向けの映画です。Seijin dansei muke no eiga desu.It is a movie for adult men.
- 成人男性の登録が必要です。Seijin dansei no touroku ga hitsuyou desu.Registration for adult men is required.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are looking at clothing sizes in a store.
- 結衣 Yui陽太くん、このサイズは小さいですよ。Yota-kun, kono saizu wa chiisai desu yo.Yota, this size is too small.
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。成人男性用を選ばないとダメだね。Hontou da. Seijin dansei you o erabanaito dame da ne.You're right. I have to choose the ones for adult men.
- 結衣 Yuiあちらに成人男性用のコーナーがあります。Achira ni seijin dansei you no koonaa ga arimasu.There is a section for adult men over there.
- 陽太 Yota教えてくれてありがとう、結衣さん。Oshiete kurete arigatou, Yui-san.Thanks for telling me, Yui.
