Translation guide
The quality of being manly, including strength, courage, and traditional masculine traits. Japanese expressions range from formal terms for masculinity to casual slang for manly behavior.
The general concept of being manly, often positive traits like strength, bravery, or reliability.
The most common and neutral word for 'manliness' or 'masculinity'. It refers to positive traits traditionally associated with men.
I admire his manliness.
What is manliness?
Similar to 男らしさ but slightly more formal or analytical. Often used in discussions about gender.
The concept of traditional masculinity.
A more traditional, somewhat literary term for manly spirit, chivalry, or gallantry. Often implies a sense of honor and self-sacrifice.
He is a man of chivalrous spirit.
A more casual, sometimes slightly negative term for 'manliness' that can imply roughness or lack of refinement. Can be used for women with masculine traits.
Her tomboyishness is charming.
Acting in a way considered manly, such as being brave, decisive, or tough.
A common phrase meaning 'manly behavior' or 'acting like a man'.
He acted in a manly way.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to show one's manliness' or 'to prove oneself as a man', often in a challenging situation.
Show your manliness here!
Refers to manly appearance, demeanor, or bearing. Often used to praise a man's impressive presence.
Emphasizing physical strength, endurance, or a macho attitude.
Literally 'man-smell', this can refer to a rugged, masculine aura or literal body odor. Often used positively for a tough, no-nonsense manliness.
I like his rugged manliness.
Loanword from 'macho', often used to describe a muscular, hyper-masculine man or attitude. Can be slightly humorous.
Loanword from 'wild', used to describe a rugged, untamed manliness, often in fashion or personality.
男らしさ is the everyday word for manliness, focusing on character traits. 男性らしさ is more formal and often used in academic or gender studies contexts. In casual conversation, 男らしさ is preferred.
He is full of manliness.
Social pressure of masculinity.
Direct translations like '男っぽい' can sound negative or imply roughness. Use 男らしい for positive manliness. Be cautious with 男臭い as it can mean 'smelly' if context is unclear.
彼の男ぶりに感心した。
I was impressed by his manly bearing.
He has a macho physique.
彼のワイルドな魅力。
His wild, manly charm.