雄々しい

• Reading: おおしい
• Romaji: ooshii
• Kanji breakdown: 雄々 (oo) — reduplicated heroic/male quality | 雄 (o) — male, heroic
• Pronunciation: /oː.ɕiː/

Meaning

Brave; heroic; manly; bold. Describes a dignified, courageous bearing or spirit that commands respect.

An i-adjective formed by reduplicating 雄 (o — male, heroic) and adding しい. It conveys not just physical bravery but a noble, composed heroism. Unlike 勇ましい (fierce, spirited), 雄々しい emphasises dignity and grandeur over energy. Applicable to men and women; the nuance is of moral and physical fortitude. Common in literary, historical, and formal praise contexts.

Examples

1. 困難に立ち向かう彼の雄々しい姿に、部下たちは勇気づけられた。 His heroic figure as he faced adversity head-on gave his subordinates the courage to press on.
2. 最後まで諦めなかった選手たちの雄々しいプレーが、観客全員を感動させた。 The bold play of the athletes who never gave up moved every single spectator to tears.
3. 彼女は雄々しい決断で、誰もが躊躇するような任務を引き受けた。 She made a courageous decision and took on a mission that everyone else had hesitated to accept.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, praise, historical narrative, sports commentary

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

Formed by reduplicating 雄 (o), meaning male, heroic, or superior, then adding the i-adjective suffix しい. Classical in feel; the reduplicated kanji form emphasises inherent noble quality.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal