Chinese word

英雄

Pronunciation

Pinyinyīng xióng

Meaning

  • nounhero

Example

在孩子眼里，医生是英雄。zài hái zi yán lǐ yī shēng shì yīng xióng

To children, doctors are heroes.

Illustration for 英雄 (hero)

More examples

平凡的人也能在关键时刻成为英雄。píng fán de rén yě néng zài guān jiàn shí kè chéng wéi yīng xióng

Even an ordinary person can become a hero at a key moment.

Core concept

A respected person moves toward danger to protect others or complete an important task.

Common phrases

  • 成为英雄chéng wéi yīng xióng

    become a hero

  • 英雄事迹yīng xióng shì jì

    heroic deeds

  • 崇拜英雄chóng bài yīng xióng

    idolize heroes

Similar words

战士zhàn shì: A person who acts bravely in battles or missions as a member of the military or an organization.
烈士liè shì: A person honored for giving their life for a just cause or their country.
榜样bǎng yàng: A person whose actions and character provide an example for others to follow.
偶像ǒu xiàng: A popular and admired person in entertainment or sports.

Definition in Chinese

指在危险或紧急情况下挺身而出、采取勇敢行动的人，常因救人或完成重要任务而受到敬重。zhǐ zài wēi xiǎn huò jǐn jí qíng kuàng xià tǐng shēn ér chū cái qǔ yóng gǎn xíng dòng de rén cháng yīn jiù rén huò wán chéng zhòng yào rèn wù ér shòu dào jìng zhòng

Word origin

英雄 (yīngxióng, "hero") combines 英 (yīng, "outstanding") with 雄 (xióng, "powerful"), linking excellence and strength with a person worthy of admiration.

Usage tips

  • Chinese can praise a firefighter, doctor, or passerby as a hero after one brave act, so the word is not limited to soldiers or story characters.

Other meanings

  • warriornoun

Opposites

  • 懦夫nuò fūcowardnoun

Related words

  • 英雄主义yīng xióng zhǔ yìheroismnoun
  • 英雄化yīng xióng huàheroizeverb

Word lists with this word