Japanese word

勇気

Pronunciation

Romajiyūki

Meaning

  • nouncourage

Example

勇気を出して話します。yū ki o da shi te hana shi ma su

I will find the courage to speak.

Illustration for 勇気 (courage)

More examples

小さな一歩を踏み出すには勇気が必要です。chii sa na ichi ho o fu mi da su ni wa yū ki ga hitsu yō de su

You need courage to take the first step.

Core concept

Describes the inner strength that allows a person to act despite fear or hesitation.

Common phrases

  • 勇気を出すyū ki o da su

    summon courage

  • 勇気を持つyū ki o mo tsu

    have courage

  • 勇気を振り絞るyū ki o fu ri shibo ru

    muster courage

Similar words

度胸dokyō: The nerve to face pressure or difficulty without backing down.
肝っ玉kimottama: The nerve and confidence to face a difficult situation.

Definition in Japanese

恐れや不安があっても、ためらわずに行動するための心の強さ。oso re ya fu an ga a tte mo ta me ra wa zu ni kō dō su ru ta me no kokoro no tsuyo sa

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 勇 (yū, "bravery") and 気 (ki, "spirit"), giving 勇気 (yūki) the sense of a strong spirit facing fear.

Usage tips

  • Japanese speakers use 勇気 (yūki) for ordinary social challenges, such as speaking to a stranger, asking a question, or sharing an honest opinion.

Other meanings

  • nervenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 勇気づけるyūkizukeruencourageverb

Word lists with this word