魁かい偉い

か

い

Meanings

Describes a person's physique or appearance as large, muscular, and physically impressive. Often used for men with a commanding, sturdy build. Not used for abstract greatness.

彼かれは魁かい偉いな体たい格かくの持もち主ぬしだ。
He has a brawny physique.
その俳はい優ゆうは魁かい偉いな風ふう貌ぼうで悪あく役やくを演えんじることが多おおい。
That actor often plays villains because of his imposing appearance.

Kanji

魁charging ahead of others
偉admirable, greatness, remarkable

Related words

逞たくましい
たくましい is a common i-adjective for 'sturdy' or 'tough', used for both physical and mental strength. 魁偉 is more literary and specifically emphasizes a large, muscular, and visually striking build.
偉い丈じょう夫ふ
偉丈夫 is a noun meaning 'great man' or 'man of imposing stature', focusing on both physical size and character. 魁偉 is an adjectival noun describing the physique itself, not the person's moral qualities.

Word family

容よう貌ぼう魁かい偉い
commanding face and powerful physique

Etymology

The word is composed of the kanji 魁 (large, leading) and 偉 (great, admirable). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally conveys an imposing physical presence.