勇気
yūki[jɯ̟ːkʲi]
The Japanese word for courage is 勇気 (yūki).
勇気 is used to describe the ability to do frightening things.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 勇 (bravery/valor) and 気 (spirit/energy/mind).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone possesses courage, use the verb ある as in 勇気がある. To say one is summoning or mustering up courage, the phrase 勇気を出す is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
yūki
Did you know?
- The second character in 勇気, 気, is the same character used in words for 'gas', 'steam', and even 'spirit' in a ghostly sense.
- When using the phrase 勇気を出す, you are literally 'pulling out' or 'extracting' your courage from within.
- In Japanese philosophy, the concept of courage is often inseparable from 'righteousness', as true bravery is seen as the strength to follow a correct path.
Examples in context
- トムは勇気がない。Tom lacks courage.This sentence shows how to express a lack of 勇気.Tatoeba #8553586 by small_snow, translation #7727795 by shekitten
- 彼の勇気に感動した。I was deeply impressed with his courage.This sentence illustrates being impressed by someone's 勇気.Tatoeba #115952 by bunbuku, translation #287717 by CK
- 勇気を持ち続けなさい。Keep up your courage.This sentence is a way to tell someone to keep up their 勇気.Tatoeba #79411 by bunbuku, translation #264974 by CK
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hina is encouraging Ren to ask someone out.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮、勇気を出して話しかけてみて。Ren, yuuki o dashite hanashikakete mite.Ren, summon your courage and try talking to her.
- 蓮 Ren無理だよ。僕にそんな勇気はないよ。Muri dayo. Boku ni sonna yuuki wa nai yo.It's impossible. I don't have that kind of courage.
- 陽葵 Himari大丈夫！あなたならできるよ。Daijoubu! Anata nara dekiru yo.It's okay! You can do it.
- 蓮 Renわかった。やってみるよ。Wakatta. Yatte miru yo.All right. I'll give it a try.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 勇気, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
