How to say "hero" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe direct borrowing covers the ordinary English senses: the hero of a film, novel or game, a superhero, or a person admired for a brave or impressive act. This is usually the word you want.
- 勇者ゆうしゃnounA person of courage and valour; in fantasy stories and games it is the word for the hero who sets out to defeat evil. For an ordinary story's protagonist it is not the usual choice.
- 英雄えいゆうnounA hero in the grand sense: someone celebrated for great deeds, such as a national or historical figure. It can also be used of a woman in this sense.
- 豪傑ごうけつnounA bold, daring person of heroic stamp; the emphasis falls on daring and greatness rather than the neutral everyday sense of 'hero', for which it is seldom the word you want.
- 勇士ゆうしnounA brave warrior or valiant man, typically in a military or historical setting; it stresses bravery in battle rather than the everyday 'hero', and is seldom the natural choice for that sense.
Choose 「ヒーロー」 for the everyday English sense — a story's protagonist or an admired person; 英雄 for a celebrated great figure; 勇者 for a valiant champion, especially in fantasy; 勇士 and 豪傑 for brave warriors and bold, daring figures.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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