勇敢

• Reading: ゆうかん
• Romaji: yuukan
• Kanji breakdown: 勇 (yuu) — courage, bravery; 敢 (kan) — daring, bold
• Pronunciation: /jɯː.kaɴ/

Meaning

Brave; courageous; gallant. Showing fearless determination in the face of danger or difficulty.

A na-adjective describing true bravery — not recklessness, but deliberate courage when facing genuine danger or hardship. 勇敢な行動 (courageous action), 勇敢に立ち向かう (bravely confront). Often used in news, historical narratives, and stories about overcoming adversity. Stronger and more formal than 勇ましい (isamashii, valiant).

Examples

1. 消防士たちは勇敢に燃える建物に飛び込んだ。 The firefighters courageously rushed into the burning building.
2. 勇敢な決断が多くの人の命を救った。 A courageous decision saved many lives.
3. 彼は病気と勇敢に闘い続けた。 He kept bravely fighting his illness.

Usage Guide

Context: news, military, stories

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 勇 (yuu, courage/brave) + 敢 (kan, daring/bold). 勇 depicts strength (力) flowing upward — the force of will that propels someone into action despite fear.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal