Jan

The word “Jan” means a given name, used for both men and women in different languages — a male name equivalent to "John" in Dutch, German, and Slavic languages, and a shortened female name elsewhere. In plain terms, a first name that can be male (common in Dutch- and German-speaking countries) or a shortened female name (as in English).

“Jan” is pronounced jan (/d͡ʒæn/ in IPA).

Here is “Jan” used in a sentence: “Jan worked as a translator between the Dutch and English delegations.”

“Jan” is a name.

The word “Jan” comes from Old French. Ultimately from the same Hebrew root as "John," via Old French Jehan.

“Jan” is a fairly common word in modern English.

It can be both, depending on language. In Dutch, German, Polish, Czech, and other Slavic and Germanic languages, Jan is a male name equivalent to John. In English and some other settings, Jan is usually a female name, most often a short form of Janet or Janice. Pronunciation differs too between the two uses.

As a woman's name in English, Jan is typically short for Janet, Janice, or Janine. As a man's name in Dutch, German, and Slavic languages, Jan is not a shortening at all: it is a full given name in its own right, the local form of John.

The English female name Jan rhymes with can, said with a short flat vowel. The male European name is usually pronounced more like yahn, with a Y sound at the start and a longer vowel. So the same spelling sounds quite different depending on which name and language you mean.