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March 24, 2026
勇气(勇氣)yǒngqì(yong3qi4)
勇气 (yǒngqì) refers to the quality of being brave or having the courage to face difficult situations. It is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as facing fears, taking risks, or standing up for one's beliefs. The term embodies not only physical bravery but also moral and emotional strength.
Frequency#2192DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 勇气 is highly valued, often associated with historical figures who displayed bravery in the face of adversity, such as during wars or in the fight for justice. The concept is celebrated in literature and film, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one's values.
Memory Tip
Think of 勇 (yǒng) as a person with a strong heart (心) who is ready to face a tiger (虎). The character 气 (qì) resembles a rising steam, symbolizing the energy or spirit that fuels one's courage. Together, imagine the heart of a brave person filled with powerful energy, ready to confront any challenge.
Meanings of 勇气
yǒngqì(yong3qi4)
1courage
2valor
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 勇气
勇气Simplified
勇氣Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2192Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 勇气
Podcast: 勇气
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AI Study Notes for 勇气
Quick Contrast
勇敢 (yǒnggǎn) refers more specifically to the act of being brave in a situation, while 勇气 (yǒngqì) emphasizes the quality or state of having courage.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 勇 (yǒng) as a person with a strong heart (心) who is ready to face a tiger (虎). The character 气 (qì) resembles a rising steam, symbolizing the energy or spirit that fuels one's courage. Together, imagine the heart of a brave person filled with powerful energy, ready to confront any challenge.
Usage Notes
When using 勇气, it often appears in phrases like '有勇气' (have courage) or '缺乏勇气' (lack courage). Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing it can lead to confusion, as the tones for '勇' (3rd) and '气' (4th) are crucial for correct understanding. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As part of HSK Level 5, 勇气 connects with other words related to emotions and character traits, such as 信心 (xìnxīn, confidence) and 冒险 (màoxiǎn, adventure). Students should focus on using it in sentences that express personal experiences of courage or discussing stories of bravery.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 勇气 is highly valued, often associated with historical figures who displayed bravery in the face of adversity, such as during wars or in the fight for justice. The concept is celebrated in literature and film, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one's values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 勇气 with words like 勇敢 (yǒnggǎn, brave), which describes a person's character rather than the quality of courage itself. For example, saying '我有勇敢' (wǒ yǒu yǒnggǎn) is incorrect; it should be '我有勇气' (wǒ yǒu yǒngqì).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 勇气
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Grammar Patterns of 勇气
勇气 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
成功不是终点，失败也并非末日，最重要的是继续前进的____。
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.--Winston Churchill
I am not sure whether this was courage or pig-headedness.
8
颁给他的嘉奖令称他表现出非凡的勇气，堪为表率。
bān gěi tā de jiā jiǎng líng chēng tā biǎo xiàn chū fēi fán de yǒng qì， ， kān wéi biǎo。
His citation says he showed outstanding and exemplary courage.
9
莫娜不为她经历的这场磨难所动，对自己表现出的勇气也态度淡然。
mò nà bù wéi tā jīng lì de zhè cháng mó nán suǒ dòng， ， duì zì jǐ biǎo xiàn chū de yǒng qì yě tài dù dàn。
Mona remains unshaken by her ordeal and is matter-of-fact about her courage.
10
现在回想起来，我都搞不清我当时哪来的那股勇气。
xiàn zài huí xiǎng qǐ lái， ， wǒ dū gǎo bù qīng wǒ dāng shí nǎ lái de nà gǔ yǒng。
Thinking back, I don't know how I had the courage.
Cultural Notes for 勇气
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 勇气 is highly valued, often associated with historical figures who displayed bravery in the face of adversity, such as during wars or in the fight for justice. The concept is celebrated in literature and film, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one's values.
Frequently Asked Questions about 勇气
Yes, 勇气 is commonly used in both formal and informal conversations, especially when discussing personal challenges or experiences.
Not typically; 勇气 implies courage with a positive connotation, while recklessness has negative implications.
Synonyms include 胆量 (dǎnliàng, bravery) and 气魄 (qìpò, spirit), though they may carry slightly different nuances.
