男

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Written 男 and read おとこ, it is the basic noun for an adult male and can refer back to a man already introduced in a narrative.
• Basic usage: It identifies the red-hatted person at an entrance and the same man pushing through a heavy door.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Neutral description versus direct address
  • It can describe a person plainly, but may sound blunt or distant if used to address someone.