Translation guide
Describing a person's body as large, sturdy, or heavily built. Japanese offers several nuanced terms depending on whether the emphasis is on frame, muscularity, or overall size.
To describe someone as having a large or sturdy body frame in a neutral or slightly positive way.
The most common and neutral term for a person with a large build or frame. Can be used for both men and women.
彼は大柄な男性だ。
He is a man of large build.
大柄な女性が入ってきた。
A large-built woman came in.
Literally 'physique is good', implying a well-built, sturdy body. Often has a positive connotation of being strong or healthy.
彼は体格がいい。
He has a good physique / is well-built.
Describes a solid, sturdy, thick-set build. Often used for people who are not necessarily tall but have a strong, compact frame.
がっしりした体つきの男だ。
He is a man with a sturdy build.
To emphasize a heavy, thick, or stout body, sometimes with a nuance of being overweight or burly.
Describes a short, stout, thickset build. Often used for people or animals. Can be slightly negative if implying fatness.
彼はずんぐりした体型だ。
He has a stout build.
Implies a heavy, massive, solid build, often with a sense of stability or imposing presence. More about weight and solidity than height.
どっしりした体格の力士だ。
He is a sumo wrestler with a massive build.
To describe a build that is large due to muscle, emphasizing strength and brawn.
A somewhat literary or emphatic term meaning brawny, muscular, with bulging muscles. Often used in descriptions of athletes or warriors.
筋骨隆々とした大男だ。
He is a brawny giant of a man.
From 'macho', used colloquially to describe a muscular, bodybuilder-type build. Can be slightly humorous or admiring.
彼はすごくマッチョだ。
He is really macho / muscular.
To emphasize exceptional size, often both tall and heavily built, like a giant.
Literally 'giant man', used for a man of huge build, both tall and heavily built. Often has a dramatic or literary feel.
その巨漢はドアをくぐれなかった。
The giant of a man couldn't fit through the door.
A straightforward term for a big man, implying both height and bulk. Common in everyday speech.
あの大男は誰ですか？
Who is that big guy?