Japanese word

英雄

Pronunciation

Romajieiyū

Meaning

  • nounhero

Example

その英雄は国を守りました。so no ei yū wa kuni o mamo ri ma shi ta

The hero protected the country.

Illustration for 英雄 (hero)

More examples

この物語の英雄は、みんなを助けます。ko no monogatari no ei yū wa mi n na o tasu ke ma su

The hero of this story helps everyone.

町の人々はその英雄を心からたたえました。machi no hito bito wa so no ei yū o kokoro ka ra ta ta e ma shi ta

The townspeople sincerely praised the hero.

Core concept

Describes a person recognized for exceptional courage or achievement, especially when that person protects or represents others.

Common phrases

  • 英雄になるei yū ni na ru

    become a hero

  • 英雄をたたえるei yū o ta ta e ru

    praise a hero

  • 英雄として知られるei yū to shi te shi ra re ru

    be known as a hero

Similar words

ヒーローhīrō: A person admired for brave or helpful actions, including the central character in a story.
勇者yūsha: A person known for courage in danger, conflict, or a demanding struggle.
英傑eiketsu: A person of exceptional ability or leadership who achieves distinction in public life.
偉人ijin: A person whose important achievements have left a lasting influence on society or history.

Definition in Japanese

危険や困難に立ち向かい、優れた行いによって人々から称賛される人。ki ken ya kon nan ni ta chi mu ka i sugu re ta okona i ni yo tte hito bito ka ra shō san sa re ru hito

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 英雄 (eiyū) consists of 英 (ei, "excellent") and 雄 (yū, "male"); these elements combine to express a person distinguished by exceptional ability or courage.

Usage tips

  • English uses hero for a story's central character even when that character is not especially brave, whereas 英雄 (eiyū) generally carries the stronger sense of a celebrated courageous person.

Other meanings

  • heroinenoun

Opposites

  • 悪役akuyakuvillainnoun

Related words

  • 英雄的eiyūtekiheroicna-adjective
  • 英雄視するeiyūshisururegard as a heroverb

Word lists with this word