wǔfū

武夫

Word · Noun

brave warrior; soldier

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 6 examples
1.

noun

brave and strong man; man of prowess; valiant warrior

literary

Originally from classical Chinese literature, notably the phrase '赳赳武夫' in the *Classic of Poetry* (Shījīng), describing a stalwart warrior. Often carries a literary or archaic flavor.

Jiū赳
jiū赳
wǔ武
fū夫
 ,
gōng公
hóu侯
gān干
chéng城
 。

The valiant warrior is the shield and wall of the princes.

Tā他
shēng生
de得
hǔ虎
bèi背
xióng熊
yāo腰
 ,
yī一
kàn看
biàn便
shì是
gè个
wǔ武
fū夫
 。

He is built like a bear with a tiger's back—clearly a man of great physical strength.

Show 1 more example
Zhè这
wèi位
wǔ武
fū夫
suī虽
rán然
yǒng勇
měng猛
 ,
quē却
fá缺
zhì乏
móu智
 谋
 。

Although this warrior is brave, he lacks strategic wisdom.

2.

noun

soldier; military man; serviceman

Can be used as a humble self-reference, as in the phrase '一介武夫' (a mere soldier), often implying a lack of sophisticated education or political refinement compared to civil officials. May carry a neutral to slightly self-deprecating tone.

Wǒ我
bù不
guò过
shì是
yī一
jiè介
wǔ武
fū夫
 ,
bù不
dǒng懂
zhèng政
zhì治
 。

I am but a mere soldier and do not understand politics.

Zhè这
wèi位
wǔ武
fū夫
zài在
zhàn战
chǎng场
shàng上
lì立
xià下
le了
hè赫
hè赫
zhàn战
gōng功
 。

This military man distinguished himself on the battlefield with illustrious achievements.

Show 1 more example
Tā他
suī虽
shì是
gè个
wǔ武
fū夫
 ,
què却
yě也
shú熟
dú读
bīng兵
shū书
 。

Although he is a soldier, he has also thoroughly studied military treatises.