性別

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 性別(せいべつ) refers to the classification of a person or animal by gender.
• Basic usage: It is used when a form asks for gender or when participation does not depend on gender. Typical patterns are 性別を記入する and 性別に関係なく参加できる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Learn common fixed patterns
  • 性別を問わず and 性別に関係なく both commonly mean “regardless of gender.”
• Difference from 性
  • 性(せい) can have broader context-dependent senses related to sex or a quality, while 性別 clearly identifies the gender classification field.