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).
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.