남성
namseong[na̠msʰʌ̹ŋ]
The English word "male" is translated into Korean as 남성 (namseong).
남성 is a noun referring to a human of the masculine sex or gender. It can also function as an adjective meaning belonging to the sex typically associated with producing sperm.
Meaning: human of masculine sex or gender (noun)
Which one should you use?
남성 is a formal or technical term for "male" often used in biological, statistical or official contexts. In contrast, 남자 is the more common, everyday word for "man".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
namseong
When do people say it?
When addressing or referring to males, different terms are used based on social context: 아저씨 is used to address middle-aged or older males politely, while 형 is a title used by males to address an older brother or a male acquaintance who is slightly older than them.
Did you know?
- In some traditional contexts, the concept of 'male' is linked to the word 양, meaning 'positive energy' or 'light' in the Yin and Yang philosophy.
- The component 성 in 남성 literally means 'nature' or 'essence', implying that 'maleness' is an inherent quality or property.
- While 남성 is the technical term for 'male', using it to address a person directly would sound like you are reading from a biology textbook.
Examples in context
- 제 친구는 남자예요.My friend is a male.
- 이 제품은 남성용입니다.i je-pum-eun nam-seong-yong-im-ni-da.This product is for males.
- 남성 비율이 높아요.nam-seong bi-yul-i nop-a-yo.The male ratio is high.
- 그는 남성다운 목소리를 가졌어요.geu-neun nam-seong-da-un mok-so-ri-reul ga-jyeot-eo-yo.He has a masculine voice.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are discussing a clothing store's inventory.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 옷은 남성용인가요?i ot-eun nam-seong-yong-in-ga-yo?Is this clothing for males?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 지훈 씨. 남성용 제품이에요.ne, ji-hun ssi. nam-seong-yong je-pum-i-e-yo.Yes, Jihoon. It is a product for males.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 남성용 사이즈를 보여주세요.geu-reom nam-seong-yong sa-i-jeu-reul bo-yeo-ju-se-yo.Then please show me the male sizes.
- 지은 Ji-eun알겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.al-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.I understand. Please wait a moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “male” translations and entries 남성, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 남성, CC BY-SA 4.0.
