adjective

FTM

eff-tee-EM

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FTM (adjective) means Female to male: describing a transgender person who was assigned female at birth and whose gender is male. Example: “He runs a support group for FTM teenagers.”

adjective

Female to male: describing a transgender person who was assigned female at birth and whose gender is male.

"He runs a support group for FTM teenagers."

"She wrote about the differences between FTM and MTF experiences of healthcare."

noun

A transgender man, described using this abbreviation.

"The study followed a group of FTMs over five years."

How to use FTM

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shorthand for a trans man, meaning someone recorded female at birth who is male.

When to use it

Common in medical and community contexts, though many people now prefer trans man or transmasculine, which do not foreground birth assignment. Best used as an adjective rather than a label for a person.

Memory tip

When talking about individuals, trans man is usually the safer and more respectful choice. Use whatever term the person uses for themselves.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

MTF → transmasculine → AFAB →

Common pairings

FTM transition FTM surgery FTM and MTF

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “FTM” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He runs a support group for _____ teenagers.

Etymology

An initialism of female to male.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

transmasculine trans man

Related words

transmasculine cis man

Frequently asked questions

What does FTM stand for?

It stands for female to male, describing a transgender person who was assigned female at birth and is male. The counterpart abbreviation is MTF, for male to female.

What is the difference between FTM and transmasculine?

FTM specifically describes someone whose gender is male. Transmasculine is broader and covers anyone assigned female at birth whose gender presentation or identity is masculine, including some non-binary people who do not identify simply as men.

Is FTM still the preferred term?

It is still widely used in medical literature and older community writing, but many people now prefer trans man or transmasculine because those terms lead with who the person is rather than what they were assigned. Follow the individual's own preference.

What is the meaning of FTM?

"FTM" (adjective) means female to male: describing a transgender person who was assigned female at birth and whose gender is male.

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transmasculine cis man