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
気丈
きじょう (kijō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "brave" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 冒す and 気丈.
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, 気丈 (きじょう (kijō)) maps to "brave, stouthearted, strong-minded (especially in adversity)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to maintaining one's composure and strength in the face of difficulty, sadness, or hardship. 困難や悲しい状況に直面しても、心を強く持ち、気丈に振る舞う様子を表します。. 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 "気丈"
彼女は辛い状況にもかかわらず、いつも気丈に振る舞っていた。
Despite the difficult situation, she always acted bravely and maintained her composure.
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.". "気丈" represents "brave, stouthearted, strong-minded (especially in adversity)".