Meaning and Usage
"男人" primarily means an adult male or man. It can also colloquially refer to a woman's husband or boyfriend, as in "她的男人" (her man). The term is neutral and widely used in everyday conversation.
Common Collocations
- "男人和女人" (men and women): used to discuss gender or social roles.
- "真正的男人" (real man): often used to describe qualities like bravery and responsibility.
- "她的男人" (her man): informal way to refer to a woman's partner.
Usage Notes
When using "男人" to refer to a partner, it carries a casual or intimate tone, unlike the more formal "丈夫" (husband). In general, "男人" emphasizes the male gender without specifying age beyond adulthood. It is often contrasted with "女人" (woman).
Common Confusion
"男人" should not be confused with "男孩" (boy) which refers to a male child. "男人" implies adulthood. Also, avoid using "男人" in very formal contexts when referring to a husband; use "丈夫" instead.