JLPT · Level 39
75 words
Japanese word
勇敢
Pronunciation
Romajiyūkan
Meaning
- na-adjectivebrave
Example
彼は勇敢な消防士です。kare wa yū kan na shō bō shi de su
He is a brave firefighter.
More examples
その少女は火事の現場で勇敢な行動を取りました。so no shō jo wa ka ji no gen ba de yū kan na kō dō o to ri ma shi ta
The girl took brave action at the scene of the fire.
Core concept
Describes someone who faces danger or difficulty without being held back by fear.
Common phrases
勇敢な行動yū kan na kō dō
brave action
勇敢な決断yū kan na ketsu dan
brave decision
Similar words
果敢kakan: Describes someone who takes decisive action despite danger or difficulty.
勇猛yūmō: Describes someone who confronts danger with fierce and fearless courage.
大胆daitan: Describes someone who acts freely without being restrained by caution or concern.
豪胆gōtan: Describes someone who remains calm and unafraid in dangerous situations.
Definition in Japanese
危険や困難を恐れず、進んで立ち向かう気力があるさま。ki ken ya kon nan o oso re zu susu n de ta chi mu ka u ki ryoku ga a ru sa ma
Word origin
勇敢 (yūkan) combines 勇 (yū, "courage") and 敢 (kan, "daring"), forming a Sino-Japanese word for bravery in facing danger.
Usage tips
- In Japanese, 勇敢な (yūkan na) modifies nouns, while 勇敢に (yūkan ni) modifies actions involving brave conduct.