Kanji 丈 length, ten shaku, measure Related words 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.
Don't confuse with Written the same as 丈夫 （ますらお ）but read じょうぶ , this common word means 'sturdy' or 'healthy' and has nothing to do with the archaic 'hero' sense.
大丈夫 shares the kanji 丈夫 but is an everyday word meaning 'fine/okay', quite unrelated to the archaic hero sense of 丈夫 （ますらお ）.
Word family great man; hero; big man
great man; fine figure of a man
heroine; brave woman; spirited woman
good-looking man; handsome man
Etymology 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.
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