Translation guide
The quality of facing fear, danger, or difficulty with courage. In Japanese, bravery is expressed through words that emphasize different aspects: moral courage, fearlessness, boldness, or heroic valor. The most common and versatile term is 勇気 (ゆうき), but other words like 勇敢 (ゆうかん) and 度胸 (どきょう) highlight specific nuances.
Expressing the mental strength to confront something frightening, challenging, or painful. This is the most common meaning of 'bravery' and is used in everyday contexts.
The standard word for courage or bravery. It refers to the inner strength to overcome fear or adversity. Used in both spoken and written Japanese, and can be applied to everyday situations as well as grand acts.
彼は勇気を出して真実を話した。
He gathered his courage and told the truth.
勇気があれば何でもできる。
With courage, you can do anything.
Refers to nerve, guts, or boldness in facing a risky or frightening situation. Often implies a certain fearlessness or audacity. More colloquial than 勇気.
あの新人は度胸があるね。
That new guy has guts, doesn't he?
Literally 'liver ball', this is a colloquial term for guts, nerve, or pluck. It suggests a strong, fearless character. Often used in the phrase 肝っ玉が据わっている (to have nerves of steel).
彼女は肝っ玉が据わっている。
She has nerves of steel.
Describing brave behavior, especially in dangerous or combative situations. This meaning emphasizes the outward display of courage, often in the face of physical danger.
An adjective or noun meaning brave, valiant, or heroic. It describes courageous actions, especially in battle or dangerous situations. Often used to praise someone's bravery.
消防士たちは勇敢に火の中へ飛び込んだ。
The firefighters bravely jumped into the fire.
彼の勇敢な行為は称賛に値する。
His brave act deserves praise.
Means daring, intrepid, or fierce bravery. Often used to describe warriors or soldiers. It implies a more aggressive, bold form of courage.
Specifically refers to military bravery or valor. It is a more formal or historical term, often used in contexts of samurai or martial prowess.
The bravery to do the right thing despite social pressure, fear of consequences, or personal cost. This is often about integrity and conviction.
勇気 also covers moral courage. It is used when someone speaks up against injustice or makes a difficult ethical choice.
不正を告発するには勇気がいる。
It takes courage to blow the whistle on wrongdoing.
Righteous bravery; courage driven by a sense of justice. Often used in historical or formal contexts, such as 義勇軍 (volunteer army fighting for a just cause).
Describing a state of being without fear, often implying a natural disposition or a momentary rush of boldness. This can be positive (bravery) or negative (recklessness).
Means fearless, dauntless, or audacious. It can describe someone who is unafraid in the face of danger or opposition. Often used in phrases like 不敵な笑み (a fearless smile).
彼は不敵にも敵陣に乗り込んだ。
He boldly ventured into the enemy camp.
Literally 'not knowing fear', this phrase describes someone who is fearless, often to the point of recklessness. It can be used admiringly or critically.
若い頃は怖いもの知らずだった。
When I was young, I was fearless.
Means bold, daring, or audacious. It emphasizes a lack of inhibition or fear in taking action. Can be used positively (brave) or negatively (shameless).
勇気 (ゆうき) is the general, inner quality of courage. 勇敢 (ゆうかん) describes brave actions or a brave character, often in physical danger. 度胸 (どきょう) is more about nerve or guts in risky situations, and is more colloquial.
Words like 無謀 (むぼう) mean reckless, not brave. Bravery implies facing fear for a good reason, while recklessness ignores danger foolishly. Be careful with 怖いもの知らず, which can imply recklessness depending on context.
あなたの勇気に感心します。
I admire your bravery.
間違いを認めるには勇気がいる。
It takes bravery to admit you're wrong.
That warlord was known for his daring and boldness.
Tales of his military bravery are still told today.
They fought as a volunteer army for justice.
She proposed a bold plan.