英勇

• Pinyin: yīng yǒng
• Hanzi breakdown: 英 = 艹 (grass/plant radical) + 央 (centre), originally meaning a fine flower or outstanding person, later extended to mean heroic; 勇 = 甬 (phonetic component) + 力 (strength/force), meaning brave or courageous

Meaning

Brave; heroic; valiant. Describing someone who displays exceptional courage, especially in the face of danger or adversity.

A strong, formal adjective for bravery. Often used to describe soldiers, firefighters, police officers, or any person who acts courageously in a dangerous situation. 英勇无畏 means fearlessly brave. 英勇牺牲 means to sacrifice one's life heroically. More elevated than 勇敢 and typically reserved for serious, formal, or literary contexts.

Examples

1. 消防员们英勇地冲进火场，救出了被困的居民。 The firefighters bravely rushed into the burning building and rescued the trapped residents.
2. 他的英勇事迹被记录在当地的历史书中。 His heroic deeds were recorded in the local history books.
3. 面对强敌，士兵们表现出了英勇无畏的精神。 Facing a strong enemy, the soldiers displayed a spirit of fearless bravery.

Usage Guide

Context: history, military, formal writing

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 战士们英勇地保卫了祖国的边疆。(The soldiers bravely defended the nation's borders.)
• 她在危难时刻的英勇表现令所有人敬佩。(Her brave conduct in a time of crisis earned everyone's admiration.)

Don't Say

• 用'英勇'来形容日常生活中的普通努力 (Don't use 英勇 to describe ordinary everyday effort or minor acts of courage — it implies exceptional bravery in dangerous or heroic situations; use 勇敢 or 努力 for everyday contexts)

Origin & History

A compound of 英 (outstanding; hero; heroic) and 勇 (brave; courageous). Together they describe the highest level of heroic bravery.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal