英雄

• Pinyin: yīng xióng
• Hanzi breakdown: 英 = 艹 (grass) + 央 (center), meaning outstanding/flower; 雄 = 厷 + 隹 (bird), meaning male/heroic

Meaning

Hero; heroic figure. A person admired for their courage, noble qualities, or outstanding achievements.

Used for historical heroes, modern-day heroes, and fictional heroes alike. Common phrases: 民族英雄 (national hero), 无名英雄 (unsung hero), 英雄人物 (heroic figure), 英雄主义 (heroism), 英雄所见略同 (great minds think alike). Can be used seriously or colloquially.

Examples

1. 他在火灾中救出了三个孩子，被大家称为英雄。 He rescued three children from a fire and was hailed as a hero by everyone.
2. 历史上的英雄人物往往有着超乎常人的勇气和智慧。 Historical heroes often possessed extraordinary courage and wisdom.
3. 这款游戏让玩家扮演各种超级英雄拯救世界。 This game lets players play as various superheroes to save the world.

Usage Guide

Context: history, news, entertainment

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 他是真正的英雄。(He is a true hero.)
• 我们不该忘记那些无名英雄。(We shouldn't forget those unsung heroes.)

Don't Say

• 你是我的英雄因为你帮我修电脑 — 日常小事用'英雄'太夸张，可以说'谢谢你帮大忙'

Origin & History

Compound of 英 (outstanding, flower) + 雄 (male, heroic). Together meaning an exceptionally outstanding and brave person, originally referring to heroic men but now gender-neutral.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal