勇气

• Pinyin: yǒng qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 勇 = 甬 (phonetic) + 力 (force), brave; 气 = vapour/steam, spirit or vital energy

Meaning

Courage; bravery. The inner strength to face fear, danger, or difficulty.

Often collocates with 鼓起 (to summon/muster) — 鼓起勇气 means to pluck up courage. Also used in 有勇气 (to have the courage) and 失去勇气 (to lose courage). Can describe moral courage (speaking out) as well as physical bravery.

Examples

1. 要在几百人面前发言，需要鼓起很大的勇气才行。 Speaking in front of several hundred people requires summoning a great deal of courage.
2. 他终于鼓起勇气走上前去，向她表达了自己的心意。 He finally plucked up the courage to step forward and tell her how he felt.
3. 遇到困难时不要气馁，要有勇气去面对和解决问题。 Don't be discouraged when difficulties arise — have the courage to face and resolve them.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, inspirational

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 她鼓起勇气，说出了心里话。(She summoned her courage and spoke what was on her mind.)
• 这件事需要很大的勇气。(This takes a great deal of courage.)

Don't Say

• 将'勇气'和'力气'混淆使用 (Don't confuse 勇气 with 力气 — 勇气 is mental/moral courage, while 力气 means physical strength)

Origin & History

A compound of 勇 (brave) and 气 (spirit/energy; vapour or breath). Together they describe the inner spirit of bravery that drives one to act despite fear.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal