When combined, “大丈夫” literally translates to “great, mature man.” Metaphorically, it describes a man whose moral character is great and whose principles are unshakeable.
The concept of “大丈夫” is central to Confucian thought and was famously defined by the philosopher Mencius (孟子). He stated: “富贵不能淫，贫贱不能移，威武不能屈，此之谓大丈夫。” “To be above the power of riches and honors to make dissipated, of poverty and mean condition to make swerve from principle, and of power and force to make bend: these characteristics constitute the great man (大丈夫).” This quote perfectly encapsulates the term's essence: a man whose integrity is his most valuable possession, immune to external pressures and temptations. Comparison to Western Concepts: You might think “大丈夫” is similar to a “gentleman” or a “man of honor.” However, there's a key difference. A “gentleman” often implies politeness, social grace, and chivalry. A “大丈夫,” while not precluding these things, focuses much more on internal moral strength and resilience. It is less about social etiquette and more about having an unbreakable ethical backbone and a deep sense of responsibility to one's family and society. It is the moral core, not the polished exterior, that defines a 大丈夫.
While it is a classical term, “大丈夫” is still used today, primarily in two ways.