Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '남성' primarily means 'male' or 'man' and is used in formal or neutral contexts to refer to adult males. It is commonly used in official, medical, or social contexts rather than casual speech.
Common Collocations
- 남성 직원 (male employee): used in workplace contexts.
- 남성용 (for men): often used for products or services designed for men.
- 남성다움 (masculinity): describes traits culturally associated with men.
Register and Politeness
'남성' is a formal noun and is appropriate in written language, news, and formal speech. In casual conversation, people often use '남자' instead.
Common Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse '남성' with '남자'. '남성' is more formal and used in official or descriptive contexts, while '남자' is more casual and common in everyday speech.
Practical Tips
Use '남성' when talking about demographics, products, or formal descriptions. For example, '남성용 옷' means 'clothes for men'. Avoid using '남성' to refer to genitalia; the correct term for 'penis' is '음경' or colloquially '고추'.