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
健気な
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 健気な.
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, 健気な (けなげな (kenagena)) maps to "brave, gallant, admirable (especially for someone in a difficult situation, showing fortitude)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe 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 "健気な"
小さな体で頑張る姿は健気だった。
The sight of her small body trying her best was admirable.
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.". "健気な" represents "brave, gallant, admirable (especially for someone in a difficult situation, showing fortitude)".