French word

héros

Pronunciation

IPA/eʁo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhero

Example

Le héros a sauvé les enfants.

The hero saved the children.

Illustration for héros (hero)

More examples

Il est considéré comme un héros du quotidien par ses voisins.

He is considered an everyday hero by his neighbors.

Core concept

The brave central figure whose actions protect others or drive a narrative.

Common phrases

  • un héros de guerre

    war hero

  • un héros du quotidien

    everyday hero

  • son héros préféré

    his favorite hero

Similar words

sauveur: A person who rescues others in times of crisis.
idole: A person admired and respected by many.
modèle: A person whose conduct or ideas serve as an example.

Definition in French

Personne remarquable par son courage ou son rôle central dans un récit.

Word origin

The French noun héros descends from Latin heros, borrowed from Greek hērōs for a heroic figure honored above ordinary people.

Usage tips

  • The h in héros is aspirated, so French uses le héros rather than l'héros and normally avoids liaison before it.

Other meanings

  • protagonistnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • héroïserheroizeverb
  • héroïsmeheroismnoun

Word lists with this word