雄雌(ゆうし)

ゆうし
noun
male and female; sex (of animals)
formalnature
1. male and female; sex (of animals or plants)
The distinction between male and female, especially in animals, birds, insects, or plants.
この鳥(とり)の雄雌(ゆうし)を見分(みわ)ける。
I can tell the sex of this bird.
ヒヨコの雄雌(ゆうし)を判別(はんべつ)するのは難(むずか)しい。
It is difficult to determine the sex of chicks.
花(はな)の雄雌(ゆうし)は雄蕊(おしべ)と雌蕊(めしべ)の有無(うむ)で判断(はんだん)できる。
The sex of a flower can be determined by the presence of stamens and pistils.
2. victory and defeat; superiority and inferiority
Figuratively, the determination of which is stronger or better. Used in the expression to settle a contest.
雄雌(ゆうし)を決(けっ)する。
To settle the contest; to determine the winner.
両者(りょうしゃ)は最後(さいご)の試合(しあい)で雄雌(ゆうし)を決(けっ)した。
The two sides settled the contest in the final match.
どちらが優(すぐ)れているか、雄雌(ゆうし)を争(あらそ)う展開(てんかい)になった。
It developed into a contest to determine which was superior.

Composed of 雄(ゆう) (male) + 雌(し) (female). The reversed form 雌雄(しゆう) is more common and carries the same meanings, especially in the set expression 雌雄(しゆう)を決(けっ)する.

Usage

  • Sense 1 is scientific or observational — used when discussing the sex of animals, plants, or organisms
  • Sense 2 is literary and dramatic — used for decisive contests and battles
  • The variant 雌雄(しゆう) is the more standard form, but 雄雌(ゆうし) also appears

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 雌雄(しゆう): male and female — the more common reversed form, especially in 雌雄(しゆう)を決(けっ)する
  • 雄(おす): male (animal) — individual male
  • 雌(めす): female (animal) — individual female
general
Added 2026.4.23 23:50 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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