nam
[naːm˧˧]
In Vietnamese, the English noun 'male' is translated as nam.
The term nam is used to refer to a human of masculine sex or gender. To refer to a male individual in a more general and formal way, you may also use nam giới.
Meaning: human of masculine sex or gender (noun)
Which one should you use?
When describing the sex of humans, use nam. However, if you are referring to the male sex in animals, use trống. The related adjective forms for masculine qualities include trai, nam and trống.
Related words
When do people say it?
You might use Chàng trai to refer to young, unmarried men. When addressing men, you would use Ông for an elderly or respected man to show respect or Anh to refer to an older brother or a male with whom you share a close connection.
Did you know?
- The word trai can mean 'boy' or 'man', but in a different context, it is also the word for 'oyster'.
- The word trống used for male animals also means 'drum' in Vietnamese, creating a linguistic link between masculinity in nature and percussion.
- The word nam for 'male' shares the exact same spelling and pronunciation as the word for 'south' in Vietnamese.
Examples in context
- Anh ấy là một người nam giới rất hiền lành.He is a very gentle man.
- Ông này đã có một cuộc sống thành công.This gentleman has had a successful life.
- Anh ấy là anh trai tốt nhất trên thế giới.He is the best brother in the world.
- Chàng trai này rất đẹp trai.This guy is very handsome.
Example conversation
Hùng and Mai are looking at a registration form.
- HùngMai, phần này ghi giới tính là nam.Mai, this part says the gender is male.
- MaiĐúng rồi, Hùng là nam mà.That's right, Hùng is male.
- HùngVậy tôi tích vào ô này nhé.So I will check this box.
- MaiỪ, cứ làm như vậy đi.Yes, just do it that way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
