勇ましい

• Reading: いさましい
• Romaji: isamashii
• Kanji breakdown: 勇 (yuu/isa) — brave, courageous, spirited
• Pronunciation: /i.sa.ma.ɕiː/

Meaning

Brave; gallant; valiant; bold; spirited. Describes courageous, heroic behaviour or a bold, vigorous appearance.

An i-adjective conveying admiration for courage and boldness. Used to describe warriors, athletes, speeches, or actions that inspire confidence and strength. Carries a formal, somewhat literary tone. Can also apply to sounds or appearances that are energetic and vigorous — a spirited drumbeat, a rallying cry.

Examples

1. 勇ましい掛け声とともに、選手たちが競技場へと入場してきた。 With a spirited battle cry, the athletes made their entrance into the stadium.
2. 彼の勇ましい演説が、沈んでいたチームに活力を与えた。 His bold speech breathed new life into a team that had lost its way.
3. 先頭に立って敵陣へ突き進んだ彼の姿は、まさに勇ましかった。 The sight of him charging ahead into enemy lines at the front was truly valiant.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, military, literature, speeches

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

From 勇む (isamu — to be spirited, to be energised) + しい (adjective suffix). The kanji 勇 (yuu/isa) appears in 勇気 (yuuki — courage) and 勇者 (yuusha — hero, valiant person).

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: General