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In Japanese, there are no special words that are exclusively considered “masculine language.” Instead, the contrast is often between softer expressions, which are traditionally associated with women, and more general expressions. For convenience, these are sometimes described as “feminine expressions” and “non-feminine expressions.”

Characteristics of Feminine Speech

By softening word endings and expressions, speech takes on a refined and delicate tone.
私は学生ですわ。Watashi wa gakusei desu wa. (I am a student, you know.)
今日は暑いわね。Kyō wa atsui wa ne. (It's hot today, isn't it?)
本当にきれいなの。Hontō ni kirei na no.(It's truly beautiful.)

Particles such as wa, no, and kashira are often added to the end of sentences, creating a more feminine impression.

Characteristics of Non-Feminine (General) Speech

These expressions are widely used by both men and women, but they are not considered feminine in comparison.
俺は学生だ。Ore wa gakusei da. (I'm a student.)
今日は暑いぞ。Kyō wa atsui zo. (It's hot today.)
本当にきれいだ。Hontō ni kirei da. (It's really beautiful.)

Words like ore, da, and zo carry a stronger, more direct tone, giving less of a feminine nuance.

Modern Trends

Among younger generations, explicitly feminine speech patterns are becoming less common in everyday conversation. However, they remain a staple in character dialogue across novels, dramas, and anime.

In formal situations, both men and women generally use desu/masu-style, which is considered polite and gender-neutral.

Summary

Japanese does not have a category of “special male language.” Rather, the distinction lies between feminine expressions and more general expressions.

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