性別
seibetsu[se̞ːbe̞t͡sɨ]
The Japanese word for gender (biological sex) is 性別 (seibetsu). Wiktionary also lists 性 (sei).
Meaning: biological sex (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 性別 | seibetsu | [se̞ːbe̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 性 | sei | [ɕo̞ː] (narrow) [se̞ː] (narrow) |
The term 性別 is a common and neutral term for gender used in formal settings and official documents. In modern sociological or academic contexts, the katakana loanword ジェンダー is often used to distinguish social gender from biological sex (性別). For specific identities, the terms トランスジェンダー (transgender), ノンバイナリー (non-binary) and ゲイ (gay) are used.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 性別 is composed of 性 (sex/gender) and 別 (distinction/difference).
Which one should you use?
性別 specifically refers to the category of sex or gender. In contrast, the single character 性 is much broader and can refer to 'nature', 'character' or 'essence' depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
seibetsu
Did you know?
- The term 性 is also a component of the word 可能性, meaning 'possibility', where it contributes the sense of a 'potential nature' or 'inherent quality'.
- In Japanese philosophy and Buddhism, 性 refers to the 'true nature' or 'essence' of a being, regardless of their physical form.
- The character 性 comes from Middle Chinese, where it originally meant the 'inherent quality' or 'essence' of a thing rather than biological sex.
Examples in context
- 性別による差別は禁じられています。Discrimination on the basis of gender is prohibited.This sentence shows the use of 性 in the context of discrimination.Tatoeba #5085118 by Andy_Andy, translation #3473492 by AlanF_US
- 英語に"he"や"she"に代わる性別中立的な代名詞があれば良いことではないですか？Wouldn't it be great if a gender-neutral pronoun for "he" or "she" existed in English?This sentence demonstrates the use of 性 when discussing gender-neutral pronouns.Tatoeba #4715122 by anhgosho, translation #544637 by CK
- ニワトリの赤く立派なトサカは性別や種類を見分けるときに役立っていると考えられている。The cockerel's splendid red cockscomb is thought to play a part in determining gender and breed.This sentence illustrates how 性 is used when identifying the sex of an animal.Tatoeba #74337 by fcbond, translation #329383 by fcbond
- 個人の性別についての議論は非常に敏感な問題であるため、互いの経験から学ぶことが重要です。他者の考え方を尊重し、人々や職業に対して性別特有の言葉よりも性別中立の言葉を使用することが、礼儀正しいとされています。Discussions about personal gender are highly sensitive, so it is important to learn from each other's experiences. It is considered polite to respect others' perspectives and use gender-neutral language when referring to people or professions.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are filling out a registration form together.
- 結衣 Yuiここの性別欄は空欄でいいの？koko no seibetsu ran wa kūran de ii no?Is it okay to leave the gender column here blank?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、性別を記入してください。iie, seibetsu o kinyū shite kudasai.No, please enter your gender.
- 結衣 Yui分かった。男性か女性か選ぶんだね。wakatta. dansei ka josei ka erubun da ne.I see. You choose between male or female.
- 健太 Kentaそうです。書き終わったら教えてね。sō desu. kakiowattara oshiete ne.That's right. Let me know when you're finished writing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gender” translations and entries 性別, 性, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 性, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
