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.
He is a very manly person.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
He is manly (positive).
He is manly/mannish (could imply rough or unrefined).
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').
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.
彼は侠気あふれる男だ。
He is a man full of chivalrous (manly) spirit.