勇于

• Pinyin: yǒng yú
• Hanzi breakdown: 勇 = 甬 + 力 (phonetic + strength — bravery); 于 = preposition (at, toward — introduces object)

Meaning

To have the courage to; to be willing and brave enough to do something that requires moral or physical bravery.

A verb-complement structure: 勇 (courageous) + 于 (at/in — used here to introduce the object of courage). Always followed by a verb phrase: 勇于担当 (to have the courage to take responsibility), 勇于创新 (to dare to innovate), 勇于批评 (to dare to criticise). Implies that the action requires overcoming fear, risk, or social pressure.

Examples

1. 优秀科学家应勇于挑战权威，质疑主流范式，因为科学进步靠不断突破旧认知。 Excellent scientists should be brave enough to challenge authority and question mainstream paradigms, because scientific progress depends on continually breaking through old assumptions.
2. 这家制造企业勇于承担环保责任，率先推进碳中和转型，赢得了市场信任。 This manufacturing company was brave enough to take on environmental responsibility, took the lead in advancing a carbon-neutral transition, and won market trust.
3. 真正有效的教育应培养学生勇于表达独立见解，面对分歧也能承担错误代价。 Truly effective education should cultivate students to courageously express independent views and to bear the cost of being wrong when facing disagreement.

Usage Guide

Context: education, ethics, leadership, governance

Tone: encouraging

Do Say

• 各级干部必须勇于担当、敢于作为，直面改革中的矛盾和问题，推动措施落地见效。(Cadres at all levels must dare to take responsibility and act, face the contradictions and problems in reform, and push measures to take effect.)
• 医委会指出，研究机构和申办方应勇于如实披露试验风险，并主动说明不确定性。(The medical ethics committee pointed out that research institutions and sponsors should courageously disclose trial risks truthfully and actively explain uncertainties.)

Don't Say

• 他勇于吃辣椒 — 勇于 implies overcoming meaningful fear, social pressure, or moral/professional risk; using it for personal food preferences is comic; just say 他很能吃辣

Origin & History

勇 (brave — 甬 phonetic + 力 strength) + 于 (at/toward — a preposition introducing the direction or object of an action)

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal