Translation guide
Describes someone with well-developed muscles, a body type, or things related to muscles. Japanese uses different words for 'muscular' as a compliment, a neutral description, or in medical contexts.
She has a muscular body.
To describe a person (usually male) with a fit, strong, muscular build, often in a positive or admiring way.
Literally 'muscle quality', this is the most common and neutral way to say someone has a muscular build. Can be used for both men and women, but often implies a lean, defined physique.
He has a muscular build.
From 'macho', often used casually to describe a very muscular, bulky man. Can sound slightly humorous or exaggerated.
A simple, colloquial way to say someone has amazing muscles. Very common in casual conversation.
He has amazing muscles, doesn't he?
To refer to muscles as a body part, in medical, fitness, or biological contexts.
The standard way to say 'muscular' as in 'of the muscles'. Used in phrases like 'muscular system', 'muscular pain', etc.
I have muscular pain.
muscular contraction
A more technical or compound-use term for 'muscle'. Often appears in medical terms like 筋ジストロフィー (muscular dystrophy).
To describe someone's body type as naturally or generally muscular, without necessarily implying extreme fitness.
Describes a sturdy, solid, well-built body. Often used for men with a naturally thick, strong frame.
He has a sturdy, muscular build.
Same as above, but used attributively. Very common.
a muscular person
English 'muscular' often translates to a phrase like 筋肉質な or 筋肉の rather than a single adjective. Using マッスル (massuru) is not standard Japanese.
筋肉質 is a neutral, standard term for a muscular build. マッチョ implies a bulkier, more bodybuilder-like physique and is more casual/slangy.
She is muscular and very toned.
That guy is really muscular, isn't he?
A literary or formal term meaning 'brawny' or 'muscular and well-built'. Often used in written descriptions or to emphasize an impressive physique.
The athlete has a brawny, muscular physique.
muscular dystrophy