勇气
Traditional: 勇氣
yǒng qì HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他很有勇气面对困难。
Tā hěn yǒu yǒngqì miànduì kùnnan.
He has a lot of courage to face difficulties.
勇气帮助她成功了。
Yǒngqì bāngzhù tā chénggōng le.
Courage helped her succeed.
我们需要勇气做决定。
Wǒmen xūyào yǒngqì zuò juédìng.
We need courage to make decisions.
他有勇气。
Tā yǒu yǒngqì.
He has courage.
勇气很重要。
Yǒngqì hěn zhòngyào.
Courage is important.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 勇 (yǒng) means 'brave' and 气 (qì) means 'spirit' or 'energy'. So, 勇气 is literally 'brave spirit'—the energy that makes you brave. Think of it as the 'fuel' for brave actions.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. It is commonly used in discussions about personal challenges, moral decisions, heroic acts, and overcoming fears.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as an object of verbs like 有 (yǒu - to have), 鼓起 (gǔqǐ - to muster), 缺乏 (quēfá - to lack). Common pattern: Subject + 鼓起勇气 + Verb Phrase (e.g., 他鼓起勇气说话 - He mustered the courage to speak).

🏯 Cultural Notes

Valued highly in Chinese culture, often linked to moral conviction (义气 yìqì) and perseverance. Historical and literary figures are frequently praised for their 勇气 in upholding justice or facing adversity.

🔄 Similar Words

勇敢 (yǒnggǎn) is an adjective meaning 'brave' or 'courageous', describing a person's character. 勇气 is the noun for the quality or feeling itself. One can '有勇气' (have courage) to do something, or be described as '勇敢的人' (a brave person).

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