Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Courage" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "courage", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
勇気
ゆうき (yūki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
度胸
どきょう (dokyō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "courage" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 勇気 and 度胸.
In Japanese, 勇気 (ゆうき (yūki)) is typically associated with "courage; bravery" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to courage or bravery to face danger, fear, or a difficult task. Often used with 勇気を出す.
On the other hand, 度胸 (どきょう (dokyō)) maps to "courage; guts; pluck; nerve; bravery" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to courage, guts, pluck, nerve, or bravery to face dangerous or difficult situations without showing fear. Often used as 度胸がある or 度胸を決める. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Courage! Guts! Show some guts and make a bold confession to your beautiful superior! Don't let me do all the embarrassing talk! Propose with manly courage!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ど、度胸よ！『部長を一生幸せにするのは俺です！』って私の目を見て大声で叫ぶくらいの度胸を見せなさい！意気地なしのあんたの背中、私が度胸（キック）で押してあげるから！』. A literal translation of "courage" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "勇気"
いじめられている友人を助けるために、彼は_______を出して声を上げました。
In order to help his friend who was being bullied, he gathered his courage and raised his voice.
Bilingual Context for "度胸"
彼は大勢の観客を前にしても全く緊張せず、大した_______の持ち主だと審査員たちを驚かせました。
Even before a large audience, he did not tense up at all, surprising the judges as a owner of great courage.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "いじめられている友人を助けるために、彼は_______を出して声を上げました。" (Meaning: "In order to help his friend who was being bullied, he gathered his courage and raised his voice.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "勇気" fits here because it means "courage; bravery" in the context of: "In order to help his friend who was being bullied, he gathered his courage and raised his voice.". "度胸" represents "courage; guts; pluck; nerve; bravery".