勇气
yǒng qì
The Chinese word for courage is 勇气 (yǒng qì).
勇气 refers to the ability to do frightening things. It is a common and general term used in both formal contexts and everyday conversations. If you want to say one must muster or build up their courage, the standard phrase is 鼓起勇气.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
勇气 is composed of the characters 勇 (brave/courageous) and 气 (spirit/air/energy).
Is it said differently in some regions?
勇气 is widely understood and used in Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone 'has courage', use the verb 有 before 勇气. To say someone 'lacks courage' or 'has no courage', use the negative form 没有勇气.
How do you pronounce it?
yǒng qì
Did you know?
- When you use the phrase 鼓起勇气, the verb 鼓 literally means 'to beat a drum', suggesting that courage is something you must rhythmically drum up within yourself.
- The character 勇 is composed of elements that historically suggest a person holding a weapon or a tool, embodying the physical act of bravery.
- In traditional Chinese philosophy, the 气 in 勇气 is not just a metaphor for spirit, but refers to a literal substance that flows through the body to sustain life.
Examples in context
- 你一定要鼓起勇气。You must build up your courage.This sentence shows how to express the idea of building up one's courage using 勇气.Tatoeba #1783777 by sadhen, translation #15905 by arademaker
- 出柜需要莫大的勇气。Coming out of the closet requires tremendous courage.This sentence illustrates the use of 勇气 when discussing the courage required for coming out of the closet.Tatoeba #10041977 by slo_oth, translation #11272863 by Aphima
- 汤姆的勇气给我留下了深刻印象。I couldn't help but be impressed by Tom's courage.This sentence demonstrates how to express being impressed by someone's 勇气.Tatoeba #9955962 by GlossaMatik, translation #6661845 by CK
- 你要有勇气去追求你的梦想You need to have the courage to pursue your dreams.
- 他的刚毅使他成功克服了很多困难His courage enabled him to overcome many difficulties.
- 他的果敢行动给了他前进的动力His brave actions gave him the impetus to move forward.
- 你要勇敢面对生活的挑战You should be brave in the face of life's challenges.
- 他有足够的胆量去尝试新事物He has enough courage to try new things.
- 我们要在挑战中有勇有谋We should have courage and strategy in the face of challenges.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a difficult decision at a cafe.
- 志强 Zhiqiang面对困难，你得有勇气。miàn duì kùn nan, nǐ děi yǒu yǒng qiì.You need to have courage when facing difficulties.
- 佳怡 Jiayi可是我真的觉得很害怕。kě shì wǒ zhēn de jué de hěn hài pà.But I really feel very afraid.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，相信你的勇气。jiā yí, xiāng xìn nǐ de yǒng qiì.Jiayi, trust your courage.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你，志强。xiè xie nǐ, zhì qiáng.Thank you, Zhiqiang.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
