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
けなげな
けなげな (kenagena)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "brave" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 冒す and けなげな.
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, けなげな (けなげな (kenagena)) maps to "brave; courageous; admirable; plucky (especially of children or the weak)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adjective. 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 "けなげな"
病気と闘う彼のけなげな姿に感動した。
I was moved by his brave figure fighting the illness.
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.". "けなげな" represents "brave; courageous; admirable; plucky (especially of children or the weak)".