Archaic or literary term for a brave, strong, and honorable man. Often associated with classical Japanese ideals of masculinity. In modern usage, it may appear in historical contexts or poetic language.
In the Kojiki, a hero renowned as a ますらお appears.
He was truly a person worthy of being called a ますらお.
英雄 is the common modern word for a hero, while 丈夫（ますらお）is an archaic, literary term with a stronger classical-manliness nuance.
勇者 means a brave hero and is common in modern fantasy contexts, whereas 丈夫（ますらお）evokes a classical, almost mythological ideal of manhood.
偉丈夫 specifically praises a man's fine, imposing physique and character, while 丈夫（ますらお）is a broader archaic term for a brave, honorable man.
豪傑 describes a bold, larger-than-life warrior often with a reckless or hearty streak, while 丈夫（ますらお）carries a more refined, classical-poetic image of manliness.
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Standard kanji spelling for the reading ますらお, meaning a heroic or manly person. The reading じょうふ is not used for this meaning in modern Japanese.
Archaic kanji spelling, rarely used today. Included for recognition in classical texts.
The native word continues Old Japanese ますらを, “brave or manly person.” 丈夫 is a meaning-based spelling also used for a strong or fully grown man.