勇
courage, cheer up, be in high spirits, bravery, heroism
Readings
On'yomi
- ユウ
Kun'yomi
- いさ.む
Nanori
- お
- はや
Meaning
勇 centers on inner strength that pushes someone to act despite fear or difficulty: courage, bravery, and heroism. The senses of cheering up and being in high spirits are natural expressions of that bold, uplifted energy.
Most common words using 勇
20 of 79- 勇気ゆうきN3
courage; bravery; valour; valor; nerve; boldness
- 勇ゆう
bravery; courage; heroism
- 勇者ゆうしゃ
hero; the brave; man of valour (valor)
- 勇敢ゆうかんN1
brave; courageous; gallant; valiant; heroic
- 勇士ゆうし
brave warrior; hero; brave man
- 勇魚いさな
whale
- 勇ましいいさましいN2
brave; valiant; gallant; courageous
- 勇むいさむ
to be in high spirits; to be encouraged; to be lively; to cheer up
- 勇気づけゆうきづけ
encouragement
- 義勇ぎゆう
heroism; loyalty and courage
- 勇姿ゆうし
brave figure; valiant figure; heroic figure; gallant figure
- 義勇軍ぎゆうぐん
volunteer army
- 勇退ゆうたい
retiring voluntarily; resigning one's post (to make way for others); stepping down; bowing out
- 愛羅武勇アイラブユー
I love you
- 勇み足いさみあし
overeagerness; rashness
- 蛮勇ばんゆう
foolhardiness; recklessness; savage valour; savage valor; brute courage
- 勇気づけるゆうきづける
to encourage; to cheer
- 武勇ぶゆう
bravery; military prowess; valour; valor
- 勇壮ゆうそう
heroic; brave; majestic; soul-stirring; lively; gallant
- 勇断ゆうだん
resolute decision
Study
Etymology
勇 combines 甬 (a phonetic component suggesting a hollow tube or pathway) with 力 (strength), together expressing the idea of strength welling up from within like water through a channel.
Meaning mnemonic
The top part 甬 looks like a sprout pushing through a field, and the bottom 力 is strength. Picture a courageous sprout using all its strength to break through the soil and cheer up toward the sun.
Reading mnemonic
For ユウ, imagine a brave hero shouting 'You!' as they charge forward: 'You!' -> ユウ, and that bold call shows their courage.