How to say "bold" in Japanese

• 大胆だいたんJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers bold in the sense of daring and unafraid of risk: bold plans, ideas, decisions, or people. The nuance is audacity rather than aggression.
  私達わたしたちは彼かれの大胆だいたんな企くわだてに舌したを巻まいた。↗

  We marveled at his bold attempt.
• 果敢かかんCommon
  na-adjectiveBold in the sense of resolute and determined: it describes energetic, aggressive action, such as pressing an attack or tackling a challenge without hesitation.
  初はじめから果敢かかんに前まえへ出でて圧倒あっとうし、体勢たいせいを崩くずした相手あいてを押し出おしだした。↗

  He resolutely pushed forward from the start, overwhelming and pushing out his off-balance opponent.
• ボールドCommon
  nounMainly the typographic loanword: bold type or boldface in texts and design. It is not how you describe a bold person or action.
• 勇猛ゆうもうCommon
  na-adjective, nounBold as valiant, fearless courage — the bravery of a warrior or fighter facing danger head-on. It praises heroic daring rather than boldness of ideas or plans.
• 伝法でんぽうCommon
  na-adjective, nounSeldom the word you want for neutral 'bold': it really describes brazen, saucy behavior, especially of a woman, with an impudent edge that 'bold' alone does not imply.

Use 大胆 for daring plans, ideas, or actions, 果敢 for resolute, aggressive effort, 勇猛 for valiant, warrior-like courage, 「ボールド」 for boldface type, and 伝法 only for brazen, saucy behavior.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 大胆だいたんbold
• 果敢かかんresolute
• ボールドbold
• 勇猛ゆうもうdaring
• 伝法でんぽうbrazen (esp. of a woman's behavior)
• 不敵ふてきdaring
• 図太いずぶといbold
• 豪胆ごうたんbold
• 臆面もないおくめんもないbold
• 肝が太いきもがふといbold
• 野太いのぶといaudacious
• 豪気ごうきsturdy spirit
• 面の皮が厚いつらのかわがあついshameless
• 勇気あるゆうきあるcourageous
• 猛きたけきvaliant
• ふてぶてしいimpudent
• 雄渾ゆうこんmagnificent
• 大胆不敵だいたんふてきdaring
• たくましいindomitable
• 淋漓りんりbrimming (with an emotion, etc.)
• やんちゃbold (e.g. of an outfit)