Translation guide
Describes qualities, behaviors, or appearances traditionally associated with men, such as strength, courage, and ruggedness. Japanese expressions range from straightforward adjectives to nuanced terms reflecting cultural ideals of masculinity.
Describing a person, action, or attitude that is brave, strong, or resolute in a traditionally masculine way.
The most common and versatile word for 'manly.' It implies possessing positive masculine traits like strength, reliability, and courage. Can be used for both appearance and character.
彼はとても男らしい人だ。
He is a very manly person.
男らしく振る舞いなさい。
Act in a manly way.
Means 'manly' or 'masculine,' but often focuses on appearance or mannerisms. Can sometimes carry a nuance of being somewhat rough or lacking refinement, not always purely positive.
Can imply 'tomboyish' when used for women, or 'rough' when describing men. 男らしい is safer for positive masculine traits.
彼女は男っぽい話し方をする。
She has a manly way of speaking.
A literary and somewhat old-fashioned word meaning 'manly,' 'brave,' or 'gallant.' Evokes a heroic, dignified masculinity. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
雄々しい戦士の姿が描かれている。
A manly warrior figure is depicted.
Describing physical looks, such as a strong jaw, muscular build, or deep voice, that are considered typically male.
Again the go-to word. Works for appearance: 男らしい顔 (a manly face), 男らしい体つき (a manly physique).
彼は男らしい顔立ちをしている。
He has manly features.
Loanword from English 'wild,' used to describe a rugged, untamed, masculine look. Common in fashion and media.
From 'macho,' refers specifically to a muscular, bodybuilder-type physique. Can be used positively or humorously.
Acting with courtesy, protectiveness, and honor, especially toward women or the weak, in a traditionally masculine way.
Covers chivalrous behavior as part of positive masculinity. 男らしい優しさ (manly kindness) is a common phrase.
彼はいつも女性にドアを開けてあげる男らしい人だ。
He is a manly person who always opens doors for women.
Means 'gentlemanly.' Focuses on polite, refined, and considerate behavior. Less about ruggedness, more about class.
A traditional term for chivalrous spirit, akin to the code of the samurai or a chivalrous commoner. Implies a sense of duty to protect the weak.
男らしい (otokorashii) is the standard positive term for 'manly,' implying admirable masculine qualities. 男っぽい (otokoppoi) can mean 'mannish' or 'masculine' but often carries a nuance of being rough, uncouth, or lacking femininity. Use 男らしい for compliments; 男っぽい can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
English sometimes uses 'manly' for things like 'manly drink' or 'manly car.' In Japanese, 男らしい is rarely used this way. Instead, use words like 男の (otoko no, 'men's') or specific adjectives like 力強い (chikarazuyoi, 'powerful').
男の車
A manly car (lit. a man's car)
ワイルドなひげが似合う。
A wild (manly) beard suits him.
He has a macho (manly) body.
彼の紳士的な態度に感心した。
I was impressed by his gentlemanly (manly) attitude.
He is a man full of chivalrous (manly) spirit.