Translation guide
The quality of being a hero; great bravery. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns describing heroic acts, bravery, or the spirit of a hero, as well as set phrases. The most common and natural way to talk about heroism depends on whether you are describing an act, a person's character, or an abstract ideal.
Referring to a specific brave action or feat, often in a dramatic or narrative context.
A formal, clear term for a heroic act or deed. Suitable for describing specific actions in stories, news, or formal speech.
彼の英雄的行為は多くの人を救った。
His heroic act saved many people.
Literally 'courageous action'. More everyday and less dramatic than 英雄的行為. Used for brave deeds in daily life or news.
消防士の勇気ある行動が称賛された。
The firefighter's courageous action was praised.
A literary term for a heroic undertaking or magnificent feat. Often used in historical or epic contexts. Rare in everyday conversation.
その探検は人類史上の壮挙として語り継がれている。
That expedition is passed down as a heroic feat in human history.
Describing the quality of bravery, self-sacrifice, or noble character in a person.
Refers to the heroic spirit or mentality. Often used in discussions of ideals, literature, or psychology.
彼は英雄的精神の持ち主だ。
He possesses a heroic spirit.
Loanword from English 'heroism'. Used in modern contexts, especially in discussions of movies, literature, or psychology. Can sound slightly academic or trendy.
この映画はヒロイズムをテーマにしている。
This movie has heroism as its theme.
A traditional term for chivalrous spirit or heroic sense of duty, often associated with self-sacrifice for the weak. Has a historical, samurai-like nuance.
Expressing the general quality of being brave, without necessarily implying a heroic narrative.
The most common word for 'courage' or 'bravery'. It is the everyday term and can be used in almost any context where heroism implies bravery.
彼の勇気には感心する。
I admire his courage.
Noun form of 'brave', emphasizing the quality of bravery. Slightly more formal than 勇気.
Discussing heroism as a concept, value, or theme in philosophy, art, or society.
Literally 'hero-ism' as an ideology or principle. Used in philosophical or critical discussions, e.g., 'cult of heroism'.
英雄主義は時に危険な思想になりうる。
Heroism can sometimes become a dangerous ideology.
Also used for the abstract concept, especially in modern or academic contexts. See above.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use a direct equivalent of 'heroism'. Instead, they describe the specific brave action or the person's courage. Using 英雄的行為 or ヒロイズム in casual chat may sound overly dramatic or stiff.
勇気 (courage) is the most common and versatile term for bravery. 勇敢さ (bravery) is a noun form of the adjective 勇敢な and emphasizes the quality itself, often used in more formal or written descriptions.
彼はその英雄的行為により勲章を授与された。
He was awarded a medal for his heroism.
彼女の勇敢な行動は国中に感動を与えた。
Her heroism inspired the whole nation.
Uses 'brave action' rather than a direct 'heroism' noun, which sounds more natural.
彼の行動は義侠心から出たものだ。
His actions came from a sense of chivalrous heroism.
彼の勇敢さは誰もが認めるところだ。
His bravery is acknowledged by everyone.
ヒロイズムの概念は文化によって異なる。
The concept of heroism differs across cultures.