勇敢
yūkanformal, adjective
The Japanese for "brave" is 勇敢 (yūkan) as a formal word, or 勇気がある (yūki ga aru), "has courage", in everyday speech. It is also called 勇ましい (isamashii).
Meaning: brave, courageous (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 勇敢 | yūkan | formal, adjective |
| 勇ましい | isamashii | literary |
| 勇気がある | yūki ga aru | neutral |
Use 勇敢な (yūkan na) before a noun, as in 勇敢な兵士 (yūkan na heishi), "a brave soldier". For praising a person, 勇気がある (yūki ga aru) sounds more natural.
Which one should you use?
勇ましい (isamashii) means "heroic" or "valiant" and is bookish. 勇気 (yūki) alone is the noun "courage".
Did you know?
- The first character of 勇気 (yūki) means "courage" or "bravery" and appears in many names.
Examples in context
- 彼は勇敢な人だ。Kare wa yūkan na hito da.He is a brave man.
- 勇気があるね。Yūki ga aru ne.You are brave.
Example conversation
Teacher Mr. Sato praises his student Kaito, who spoke up in class.
- Mr. Satoよく言ってくれたね。Yoku itte kureta ne.Thank you for speaking up.
- Kaito緊張しました。Kinchō shimashita.I was nervous.
- Mr. Sato勇気があるよ。Yūki ga aru yo.You are brave.
