How to say "nerve" in Japanese

• 神経しんけいJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe anatomical sense: the nerves as body tissue carrying sensation and signals. It also extends to one's nerves in the sense of nervous tension, but not to courage or audacity.
• 勇気ゆうきJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe general word for courage: it covers 'nerve' in the sense of bravery — the nerve to act or speak up despite fear. It lacks any nuance of cheek or impudence.
  我々われわれは彼女かのじょの勇気ゆうきに感心かんしんする。↗

  We admire her for her bravery.
• 度胸どきょうCommon
  nounCourage of the plucky, daring kind: the nerve to face danger or perform without flinching. Compared with 勇気 it suggests bold composure under pressure rather than mere willingness.
  あいつの度胸どきょうを試ためしてみよう。↗

  I'll put his courage to the test.
• 心臓しんぞうJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounLiterally the heart as an organ. In figurative expressions it conveys having plenty of nerve or cheek — boldness verging on gall — rather than courage in the general sense.

Use 神経 for the body's nerves, 勇気 for courage in general, 度胸 for pluck or daring in the face of danger, and 心臓 only in figurative expressions for cheek or gall.

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

• 神経しんけいnerve
• 勇気ゆうきcourage
• 度胸どきょうcourage
• 度肝どぎもguts
• 胆力たんりょくcourage
• 肝っ玉きもったまguts
• 鉄面皮てつめんぴimpudence
• 心臓しんぞうguts
• 腹はらcourage