勇

Denotes an internal psychological disposition rather than raw physical strength. The semantic range exists on a spectrum: positive (bravery, valor, courage), neutral or ambiguous (boldness, audacity, assertiveness), and negative (fierceness, impetuosity, recklessness).

• Adjective: "Brave" or "fierce."
• Noun: "Courage," "valor," or "boldness."
• Quasi-verb: To act bravely or to venture.

• vs. 智 (wisdom) and 義 (righteousness): Often contrasted with these terms, suggesting a tension between assertive action and disciplined judgment.
• vs. 敢 (gǎn): While 勇 is the quality or state of bravery, 敢 typically refers to the specific act of daring or the impulse to cross a threshold.
• vs. 毅 (yì): 勇 often suggests an intensity of attack or a flash of boldness; 毅 denotes fortitude, endurance, and resolve over time.

Avoid importing modern notions of "heroism" unless the context explicitly supports a moral crusade. In most classical contexts, 勇 refers to martial efficacy, spirit, or assertive energy.