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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

    性別: gender. The Japanese noun '性別 (せいべつ)' refers to 'gender', specifically the classification of individuals as male, female, or other. It is commonly used in contexts discussing identity, demographics, or social issues. For example: What is your gender?「あなたの性別は何ですか?」(あなたのせいべつはなんですか?). Gender equality is important「性別の平等は大切です」(せいべつのびょうどうはたいせつです). This term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

    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:

    word

    女性

    Meaning

    Woman

    word

    男性

    Meaning

    Male

    word

    性格

    Meaning

    Personality

    word

    性質

    Meaning

    Nature, Property

    word

    Meaning

    Gender, Nature

    word

    性別

    Meaning

    Gender

    word

    女性的

    Meaning

    Feminine

    word

    個性

    Meaning

    Individuality

    word

    異性

    Meaning

    Opposite sex

    word

    活性

    Meaning

    Activation

    word

    理性

    Meaning

    Reason

    word

    性能

    Meaning

    Performance

    word

    特性

    Meaning

    Characteristic

    word

    同性

    Meaning

    Same sex

    word

    男性的

    Meaning

    Masculine

    word

    感性

    Meaning

    Sensibility

    word

    性的

    Meaning

    Sexual

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.