Translation guide
The ability to face fear, danger, or difficulty. In Japanese, the most common word is 勇気 (yuuki), but other expressions emphasize different nuances like bravery in action, mental fortitude, or moral courage.
The basic quality of being brave or facing fear
The standard, all-purpose word for courage. Used in most contexts, from everyday bravery to heroic acts.
彼は勇気がある。
He has courage.
勇気を出して話した。
I gathered my courage and spoke.
Refers to nerve, guts, or boldness in facing a risky or frightening situation. Often used for physical or daring acts.
あいつは度胸がある。
That guy has guts.
そんなこと言うなんて、度胸あるね。
It takes nerve to say something like that.
Bravery or valor, often with a connotation of spirited, gallant, or heroic courage. More literary or formal.
彼の勇ましさに感動した。
I was moved by his bravery.
Courage to do the right thing despite opposition or fear
Also used for moral courage. Often paired with verbs like 出す (to summon) or いる (to have).
間違いを認める勇気が必要だ。
You need the courage to admit your mistakes.
Righteous courage or heroism for a just cause. Rare in everyday speech; found in historical or dramatic contexts.
The act of gathering one's courage to do something
To summon courage, to pluck up courage. A very common phrase.
勇気を出して彼女に話しかけた。
I mustered the courage to talk to her.
To squeeze out courage, to muster every ounce of courage. More emphatic than 勇気を出す.
勇気を振り絞って真実を話した。
I mustered all my courage and told the truth.
Literally 'to tie up one's belly', meaning to prepare oneself mentally for a difficult or risky action. Implies resolve and determination.
Mental strength to endure hardship without giving up
Guts, willpower, fighting spirit. Often used for enduring tough situations or pushing through challenges.
彼は根性があるから、どんな困難にも負けない。
He has guts, so he won't be defeated by any hardship.
Strong spirit, mettle, or fortitude. A more formal term for an unyielding spirit.
Telling someone to have courage or not be afraid
A common way to say 'Be brave' or 'Take courage'. Used when encouraging someone to do something they're afraid of.
勇気を出して！君ならできるよ。
Be brave! You can do it.
Literally 'Don't be scared'. A softer, more direct encouragement.
怖がらないで、行こう。
Don't be afraid, let's go.
Means 'Pull yourself together' or 'Stay strong'. Used when someone is losing courage or composure.
しっかりして！大丈夫だから。
Stay strong! It'll be okay.
勇気 is the general term for courage, suitable for both physical and moral bravery. 度胸 emphasizes nerve or boldness in risky situations, often physical. 根性 is about guts and perseverance, the will to endure hardship. Use 勇気 for most situations; 度胸 when talking about daring acts; 根性 for fighting spirit and tenacity.
While 勇気 is the direct translation, English phrases like 'take courage' are not always literally translated. 'Take courage' is often 勇気を出す, but in some contexts, a different expression like 頑張って (do your best) or しっかり (stay strong) might be more natural.
声を上げるには勇気がいる。
It takes courage to speak up.
彼女は危機の中で大きな勇気を示した。
She showed great courage during the crisis.
彼に真実を言う勇気がない。
I don't have the courage to tell him the truth.
He fought with a spirit of righteous courage.
腹を括って上司に反論した。
I steeled myself and talked back to my boss.
She is a woman of strong spirit.