Translation guide
To act confidently or bravely even when feeling afraid, nervous, or uncertain. Japanese expresses this through idiomatic phrases, verbs for pretending, and descriptions of outward demeanor.
To appear courageous or unfazed when actually scared or worried.
Literally 'to put up a bluff/bravado'. The most direct equivalent for putting on a bold front, often implying a show of strength to hide weakness.
彼は内心怖がっていたが、虚勢を張って笑った。
He was scared inside, but he put on a bold front and laughed.
Verb meaning 'to act tough' or 'to pretend to be strong'. Commonly used when someone hides fear or sadness behind a brave face.
彼女は強がって「大丈夫」と言った。
She put on a bold front and said, 'I'm fine.'
To feign calmness or indifference. '装う' means to pretend or put on an appearance. Slightly more formal/literary than 強がる.
彼は動揺していたが、平気を装った。
He was shaken, but he put on a bold front and acted calm.
Literally 'to endure being scared'. A more straightforward description of suppressing fear, less idiomatic but clear.
子供は怖いのを我慢して、暗い部屋に入った。
The child put on a bold front and entered the dark room, holding back his fear.
To project self-assurance in a situation where one lacks confidence or knowledge.
Literally 'to pretend to have confidence'. A direct and natural way to express putting on a bold front in terms of self-assurance.
彼は自信があるふりをしてプレゼンを始めた。
He put on a bold front and started the presentation, pretending to be confident.
To behave in a dignified, imposing manner. Often used when someone acts confidently despite inner doubts. '堂々と' means 'with composure/confidence'.
彼女は内心緊張していたが、堂々と振る舞った。
She was nervous inside, but she put on a bold front and acted with composure.
To take an aggressive or bold stance, often in negotiations or confrontations. Implies projecting strength even if one's position is weak.
交渉では強気に出たほうがいい。
In negotiations, it's better to put on a bold front.
To keep up a courageous appearance when facing hardship, pain, or emotional distress.
To behave in a stout-hearted, brave manner. Often used for someone enduring grief or difficulty without showing weakness.
彼女は悲しみをこらえて気丈に振る舞った。
She put on a bold front, holding back her sorrow and acting bravely.
Literally 'not to utter complaints/weakness'. To refrain from showing vulnerability, maintaining a strong exterior.
彼は一度も弱音を吐かずに頑張った。
He put on a bold front and persevered without ever complaining.
To take a resolute, firm attitude. Formal and often used in written contexts. Implies unwavering composure under pressure.
彼は批判に対して毅然とした態度を取った。
He put on a bold front and took a resolute stance against the criticism.
虚勢を張る emphasizes a deliberate bluff or show of strength, often in competitive or confrontational situations. 強がる is more about personal emotional concealment, like pretending not to be hurt or scared. 強がる is more common in everyday speech.
彼は弱いのに虚勢を張って喧嘩を売った。
He was weak but put on a bold front and picked a fight.
彼女は失恋しても強がって泣かなかった。
Even after the breakup, she put on a bold front and didn't cry.
Do not translate 'put on a bold front' word-for-word as '大胆な前線を着る' or similar. These make no sense in Japanese. Use the idiomatic expressions provided.