For "male":
* 男 (おとこ, otoko): This is the most common character for "male" and literally means "man."
* 男性 (せいせい, seisei): This is a more formal way to say "male" and literally means "male gender."
For "female":
* 女 (おんな, onna): This is the most common character for "female" and literally means "woman."
* 女性 (じょせい, josei): This is a more formal way to say "female" and literally means "female gender."
For "male and female" together:
* 男女 (だんじょ, danjo): This literally means "male and female."
* 夫婦 (ふうふ, fuufu): This refers to a married couple (husband and wife).
* 男女 (りょうせい, ryousei): This means "both genders" in a more formal context.
Ultimately, the best way to express "male" and "female" in Japanese depends on the specific situation and the level of formality required.