大丈夫 (dàzhàngfu) refers to a 'real man' or 'man of great character,' often used to describe someone who is courageous, strong, and honorable. It can also imply a sense of reliability and maturity. In modern usage, it can extend beyond gender to mean anyone who embodies these qualities.
HSK 7, 24 strokes, Hard
dàzhàngfu(da4zhang4fu1) T4
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May 27, 2026
大丈夫dàzhàngfu(da4zhang4fu1)
大丈夫 (dàzhàngfu) refers to a 'real man' or 'man of great character,' often used to describe someone who is courageous, strong, and honorable. It can also imply a sense of reliability and maturity. In modern usage, it can extend beyond gender to mean anyone who embodies these qualities.
Strokes24Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of a 大丈夫 is closely linked to Confucian ideals of masculinity, which emphasize virtues like loyalty, bravery, and moral integrity. This term reflects societal expectations of men as protectors and leaders.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant (大) man (夫) standing tall, with a strong presence that commands respect. Picture him facing challenges courageously, showcasing his 'manly' qualities. The character 大 (big) emphasizes his impressive stature, while 夫 (man) represents his role in society.
About 大丈夫
大丈夫Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 大丈夫
Podcast: 大丈夫
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AI Study Notes for 大丈夫
Quick Contrast
勇敢 (yǒnggǎn) - use 大丈夫 when emphasizing character and reliability, while 勇敢 focuses specifically on bravery.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant (大) man (夫) standing tall, with a strong presence that commands respect. Picture him facing challenges courageously, showcasing his 'manly' qualities. The character 大 (big) emphasizes his impressive stature, while 夫 (man) represents his role in society.
Usage Notes
While 大丈夫 is generally positive, context matters; it can sometimes be used sarcastically. Be careful not to confuse it with just any masculine term, as it conveys deeper qualities of integrity and valor. Common collocations include phrases like '做一个大丈夫 (be a real man)' that emphasize moral strength.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, students should focus on understanding nuanced meanings and contexts of 大丈夫. Relate it to previously learned vocabulary about character traits and personality, such as 勇敢 (yǒnggǎn, brave) and 可靠 (kěkào, reliable).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of a 大丈夫 is closely linked to Confucian ideals of masculinity, which emphasize virtues like loyalty, bravery, and moral integrity. This term reflects societal expectations of men as protectors and leaders.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 大丈夫 with just 'man' or 'male' (男) without understanding its deeper meaning. For example, saying '他是一个大丈夫' (He is a man) fails to capture its essence; a better expression would be '他是一个真正的大丈夫' (He is a real man).
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 大丈夫
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Cultural Notes for 大丈夫
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of a 大丈夫 is closely linked to Confucian ideals of masculinity, which emphasize virtues like loyalty, bravery, and moral integrity. This term reflects societal expectations of men as protectors and leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions about 大丈夫
While it traditionally refers to men, in modern usage, it can describe anyone embodying strong character and virtues.
Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure the tone matches the situation.
Yes, you might consider terms like 英雄 (yīngxióng, hero) or 男子汉 (nánzǐhàn, manly man) depending on the context.
