Differences Between Masculine and Feminine Words in Japanese with Examples
The Japanese language has masculine and feminine phrases. This is a linguistic characteristic, in which different expressions are used depending on the gender of the speaker and the wording expected for that gender. Today, with changing attitudes toward gender, the differences between male and female language use are fading, however, the differences and examples are shown below.
1. Differences in Word Endings
In Japanese conversation, there are differences in the expressions used at the end of sentences.
Masculine endings
- ~darou / ~daze/ ~janee ka
- Example: “Sore wa ore no darou?” (That's mine, right?)
- Example: “Yaru ze!” (I'll do it!)
- Example: “Sou janee ka?” (Isn't that right?)
- ~dana/ ~ka? / ~dazo?
- Example: “Aitsu wa tsuyoi na.” (He's strong, huh.)
- Example: “Nani yatterun da?” (What are you doing?)
- Example: “Ki o tsukerun dazo.” (Be careful.)
Feminine endings
- ~wa / ~yo / ~no / ~kashira
- Example: “Sou nano yo.” (That's right.)
- Example: “Watashi ga yaru wa.” (I'll do it.)
- Example: “Hontou ni daijoubu kashira?” (I wonder if it's really okay.)
- ~kashira / ~wane / ~no yo
- Example: “Ashita, ame ga furu kashira?” (I wonder if it'll rain tomorrow.)
- Example: “Shizuka ni shite hoshii wane.” (I'd like you to be quiet.)
- Example: “Kare, mada kite nai no yo.” (He hasn't come yet.)
2. Difference in First Person
The first-person perspective used to refer to oneself also differs depending on gender.
First-person for men
- Ore
- Example: “Ore wa iku ze.” (I'm going.)
- Boku
- Example: “Boku wa mada kimete inai.” (I haven't decided yet.)
- Jibun
- Example: “Jibun wa sore o shitte iru.”(I know that.)
First-person for women
- Watashi
- Example: “Watashi wa ima kara iku wa.” (I'm going now.)
- Atashi
- Example: “Atashi mo ikitai!” (I want to go too!)
- Uchi
- Example: “Uchi ga yaru ne.” (I'll do it.)
3. Differences in Second Person
Gender differences can also be seen in expressions used to refer to another person.
Second-person for men
- Omae
- Example: “Omae, nani shiterun da?” (What are you doing?)
- Kimi
- Example: “Kimi wa dou omou?” (What do you think?)
Second-person for women
- Anata
- Example: “Anata, sore de ii no” (Is that okay with you?)
- Anta
- e.g. “Anta mo kuru?” (Are you coming too?)
4. Differences in honorifics and politeness
Masculine language generally sounds more direct and blunt, while feminine language is often more polite and softer.
Masculine polite expressions
- ~dana / ~darou
- Example: “Ashita wa ame darou.” (It's going to rain tomorrow, I think.)
- ~daze / ~kai
- Example: “Ore ga yaru ze!” (I'll do it!)
Feminine polite expressions
- ~desuwa / ~kashira
- Example: “Ashita wa ame kashira.” (I wonder if it'll rain tomorrow.)
- ~masu wa / ~ma syou
- Example: “Watashi ga yarimasu wa.”(I'll do it.)
5. Differences in Speech
Male speech sounds more direct, forceful, and emotionless, while female speech is more expressive of emotion and often sounds softer.
Male speech
- “Oi, chotto mate yo!” (Hey, wait a minute)
- Strong tone and often in the imperative form, sounds blunt.
Female speech
- “Chotto matte kudasaranai?” (Can you wait a minute, please?)
- Soft expressions are often used, and honorifics and requests are common.
Conclusion
These differences have developed based on traditional Japanese gender roles and social norms. Today, however, both genders increasingly use these terms in different ways depending on the situation. In addition, in anime and manga, masculine and feminine words are often used exaggeratedly to express the personalities of the characters.