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What is the Kanji for 'Gender' and 'Sex'? | 性

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Gender' and 'Sex', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Gender' and 'Sex' is 性.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gender, Sex

    Reading

    onyomiしょう

    shou

    せい

    sei

    Parts

    Life

    Example Word

    同性: same sex. The Japanese noun '同性 (どうせい)' means 'same-sex'. It is used to refer to people of the same gender or sex. This term is often used in contexts related to relationships, communities, or discussions about gender. For example: They are in a same-sex relationship「彼らは同性の関係です」(かれらはどうせいのかんけいです). The event is for same-sex couples only「そのイベントは同性のカップルのみです」(そのイベントはどうせいのかっぷるのみです). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as '同性愛 (どうせいあい)' meaning 'homosexuality'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    162

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    component

    kanji

    Meaning

    Life

Words Using

This kanji is used in 17 words:

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 29 kanji contain the part 忄 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Busy

    kanji

    Meaning

    Feeling, Emotion

    kanji

    Meaning

    Accustomed

    kanji

    Meaning

    Remember, Speculate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pleasant

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ridicule, Arrogant

    kanji

    Meaning

    Worry, Distress

    kanji

    Meaning

    Prudent, Humility

    kanji

    Meaning

    Repent, Regret

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cruel, Wretched

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fearful, Dreadful

    kanji

    Meaning

    Flurried, Disconcerted

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bosom, Pocket

    kanji

    Meaning

    Regret, Frugal

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lazy

    kanji

    Meaning

    Indignant, Sigh

    kanji

    Meaning

    Grudge

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pleased, Pleasure

    kanji

    Meaning

    Joy, Delight

    kanji

    Meaning

    Spiritually awakened, Comprehension

    kanji

    Meaning

    Weird, Suspicious

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mourn, Lament

    kanji

    Meaning

    Regret, Remorse

    kanji

    Meaning

    Constant, Always

    kanji

    Meaning

    Aroused, Indignation

    kanji

    Meaning

    Misgivings, Disquieting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fear

    kanji

    Meaning

    Desire, Hanker

    kanji

    Meaning

    Yearn, Long for

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 6 kanji contain the part 生 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Star

    kanji

    Meaning

    Wheat

    kanji

    Meaning

    Give birth

    kanji

    Meaning

    Surname, Family name

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sacrifice, Offering

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hump, Prosper

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 性 mean?

性 means 'Gender' and 'Sex'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fifth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.