Translation guide
Expressing bravery in Japanese involves choosing the right word for the context: general courage, heroic bravery, or everyday boldness. The most common word is 勇気がある (yuuki ga aru), literally 'to have courage'. For describing a brave person, 勇敢な (yuukan na) is standard. In casual speech, verbs like 頑張る (ganbaru) or phrases like 勇気を出す (yuuki wo dasu) are often more natural than adjectives.
To say someone is brave in the sense of having courage, especially in facing fear or difficulty.
Literally 'to have courage'. This is the most common and natural way to say someone is brave. It focuses on the possession of courage rather than a permanent trait.
彼は勇気がある。
He is brave.
そんなことを言うなんて、勇気があるね。
It's brave of you to say that.
An adjective meaning 'brave' or 'heroic'. Often used to describe people or actions. More formal than 勇気がある.
Means 'brave', 'valiant', or 'spirited'. Often implies a gallant or stirring bravery, and can sound slightly literary.
To describe someone who is bold, daring, or willing to do something risky or unconventional.
To describe bravery in a heroic, noble, or epic context, such as in battle or great adversity.
Means 'heroic' or 'grand'. Often used for brave and impressive scenes or actions.
To express the action of being brave or summoning courage.
Literally 'to put out courage'. Means to muster up courage or be brave in a specific situation.
勇気を出して彼女に話しかけた。
I was brave and talked to her.
To encourage someone to be brave or to comment on bravery in everyday situations.
勇気がある (yuuki ga aru) is a phrase meaning 'to have courage', used for everyday bravery. 勇敢 (yuukan) is an adjective meaning 'brave/heroic', often used in formal or written contexts to describe a person's character or actions. Use 勇気がある for most situations.
English speakers often want to use an adjective like 'brave' directly. While 勇敢な exists, it can sound stiff. Often a verb phrase like 勇気がある or 勇気を出す is more natural in Japanese.
仕事を辞めるなんて、勇気があるね。
It was brave of you to quit your job.
彼女は勇敢に挑戦に立ち向かった。
She bravely faced the challenge.
勇敢な消防士が子供を救った。
A brave firefighter saved the child.
勇ましい行進曲が流れた。
A stirring march played.
Means 'bold', 'daring', or 'audacious'. Can be positive (brave) or negative (reckless) depending on context.
彼女は大胆な決断をした。
She made a bold decision.
大胆な計画ですね。
That's a daring plan.
Means 'bold' or 'drastic', often used for actions that require resolve. Implies overcoming hesitation.
思い切ったことをしましたね。
You did something brave/bold.
Means 'bold' in a cheeky or impudent way. Can be negative (brazen) but sometimes used positively for someone who is fearless.
彼は図太いから、失敗しても気にしない。
He's bold/brazen, so he doesn't mind failing.
勇壮な戦いの物語。
A tale of heroic battle.
Means 'manly', 'brave', 'heroic'. Often implies a dignified, masculine bravery.
雄々しい姿で戦った。
He fought with a brave/manly figure.
Literally 'to wring out courage'. Means to squeeze out every bit of courage, often for a daunting task.
勇気を振り絞って真実を話した。
I summoned all my courage and told the truth.
Means 'to have guts/nerve'. Focuses on boldness and fearlessness in the face of risk.
彼は度胸があるから、高いところが平気だ。
He's brave/gutsy, so he's fine with heights.
Means 'Don't be scared'. A direct way to tell someone to be brave.
怖がらないで、行こう。
Be brave, let's go.