Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Brave" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "brave", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
冒す
おかす (okasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
けなげ
けなげ (kenage)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "brave" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 冒す and けなげ.
In Japanese, 冒す (おかす (okasu)) is typically associated with "to brave, to risk, to dare, to violate, to defy" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for taking risks.
On the other hand, けなげ (けなげ (kenage)) maps to "brave; admirable; pathetic (in a brave way); courageous (especially of a child or weak person)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often describes someone. A literal translation of "brave" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "冒す"
彼は危険を冒して、火災現場に飛び込んだ。
He risked danger and rushed into the fire scene.
Bilingual Context for "けなげ"
病気の子供がけなげにリハビリを頑張っている。
The sick child is bravely working hard at rehabilitation.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は危険を冒して、火災現場に飛び込んだ。" (Meaning: "He risked danger and rushed into the fire scene.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "冒す" fits here because it means "to brave, to risk, to dare, to violate, to defy" in the context of: "He risked danger and rushed into the fire scene.". "けなげ" represents "brave; admirable; pathetic (in a brave way); courageous (especially of a child or weak person)".