noun
shrewd and tough person; wily survivor; formidable character
Describes someone who is not just strong-willed but also cunning, resilient, and often a bit unscrupulous. Can be used for both men and women, though したたか女 is a common collocation for a formidable woman.
彼はしたたか者で、どんな状況でもうまく立ち回る。
He's a shrewd operator who navigates any situation skillfully.
あの政治家はしたたか者とし
That politician is known as a wily survivor.
noun
strong man; brave man
A more straightforward, somewhat old-fashioned sense focusing on physical or moral strength and bravery. Less common in modern usage; often replaced by 強者 (つわもの) or 勇者.
古文書には、したたか者として名を残した武士が記されている。
Ancient documents record samurai who were remembered as strong, brave men.
Compound of したたか (shrewd, tough, resilient) + 者 (person). The word したたか itself is of uncertain origin, possibly related to classical Japanese したたむ (to prepare, to manage).