How to say "gallant" in Japanese

• 勇敢ゆうかんJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers the core sense of gallant as brave and courageous in facing danger; a neutral, direct word for a person's courage in battle or peril.
  彼かれは勇敢ゆうかんでかいかつな少年しょうねんだ。↗

  He is a brave and cheerful boy.
• 勇ましいいさましいJLPT N2approx.Common
  i-adjectiveAlso for brave, valiant conduct, but with a nuance of spirited, dashing vigour; suits a boldly gallant bearing or attitude as well as sheer courage.
  一人ひとりで原始林げんしりんへ乗り込のりこもうとは君きみはなんて勇いさましいんだ。↗

  How brave of you to go alone into the primaeval forest!
• 潔いいさぎよいCommon
  i-adjectiveMatches gallant chiefly in the sense of gracious or honourable, as in a gallant defeat or apology; it stresses graceful, noble acceptance rather than courage in danger.
  出処しゅっしょ進退しんたいの潔いさぎよさをわきまえている、と彼かれは言いっているけれど、いざとなったらどうだかね。↗

  He always talks as though he knows how to handle himself but you never know how he'll act when the chips are down.
• 勇壮ゆうそうCommon
  na-adjectiveCovers gallant in the sense of heroic and majestic; used of stirring, impressive scenes or figures rather than an individual's personal courage, so it is a poor choice for everyday gallant behaviour.

Use 勇敢 or 「勇ましい」 for courage in facing danger, 「潔い」 for gracious, honourable behaviour such as accepting defeat, and 勇壮 for heroic, majestic, stirring scenes or figures.

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

• 勇敢ゆうかんbrave
• 勇ましいいさましいbrave
• 潔いいさぎよいgracious (defeat, apology, etc.)
• 勇壮ゆうそうheroic
• 颯爽さっそうgallant
• 凛々しいりりしいgallant
• いなせgallant
• 勇み肌いさみはだgallant
• 伊達衆だてしゅうdandy