Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'boldly' in Japanese, focusing on acting with courage, confidence, or audacity. It includes adverbs, verbs, and set phrases for different nuances.
To do something bravely, without fear, often in the face of risk or danger.
The most common and versatile adverb for 'boldly'. It implies daring and lack of inhibition.
彼は大胆に行動した。
He acted boldly.
Boldly speaking, the plan is a failure.
Emphasizes bravery and valor, often in heroic or challenging situations.
消防士は勇敢に火の中に飛び込んだ。
The firefighter boldly jumped into the fire.
Implies resolute and daring action, often used in competitive or challenging contexts.
彼は果敢に挑戦した。
He boldly took on the challenge.
Literally 'without flinching', used to describe acting boldly without hesitation.
彼女は臆せず真実を語った。
She boldly spoke the truth.
To do something in a self-assured, forward manner, often socially or professionally.
Means 'with dignity and confidence', often used for public behavior or speech.
彼は堂々と意見を述べた。
He boldly stated his opinion.
堂々と振る舞いなさい。
Behave boldly.
Literally 'with confidence', a straightforward way to express boldness through self-assurance.
自信を持って発言した。
I spoke boldly (with confidence).
Describes a person who is not easily intimidated; can be used adverbially as 物怖じせずに.
彼女は物怖じせずに質問した。
She boldly asked questions.
To do something that is shockingly bold, often crossing boundaries or taking risks.
Implies impudence or cheekiness; 'boldly' in a way that might be seen as rude or presumptuous.
彼は厚かましくも給料の値上げを要求した。
He boldly demanded a raise.
Similar to 厚かましく, but more colloquial and negative, implying shameless boldness.
ずうずうしくも無料で入ろうとした。
He boldly tried to enter for free.
To describe something that stands out because of its bold design, color, or appearance.
Adjectival form of 大胆; used for bold patterns, colors, or designs.
彼女は大胆な柄のドレスを着ていた。
She wore a boldly patterned dress.
Means 'vivid' or 'brilliant', often used for bold colors.
鮮やかな赤い口紅をつけていた。
She wore boldly red lipstick.
Means 'striking' or 'prominent', used for something that boldly stands out.
その絵は際立った色彩で描かれていた。
The painting was done in bold colors.
大胆に (daitan ni) is the most general for 'boldly' and can be used for both positive daring and negative audacity. 勇敢に (yūkan ni) specifically means 'bravely' and is used in contexts of physical or moral courage. 果敢に (kakan ni) implies aggressive, determined boldness, often in sports or business.
In English, 'boldly' can be used as a discourse marker (e.g., 'Boldly, I disagree'). Japanese does not use adverbs in the same way. Instead, use phrases like はっきり言って (hakkiri itte, 'frankly speaking') or あえて言うなら (aete iu nara, 'if I may say so boldly').
彼女は誰も行ったことのない場所に大胆に足を踏み入れた。
She boldly went where no one had gone before.
彼は大胆にも彼女に愛を告白した。
He boldly declared his love for her.
Adjective form; can be used as 図々しく. Often translated as 'bold' in the sense of 'shameless'.
図々しいお願いですが、お金を貸してください。
It's a bold request, but please lend me money.