英 雄(えいゆう)

えいゆう

noun

hero, great figure

1. hero, great figure, champion

A person of exceptional courage, ability, or achievement who is admired for their great deeds. Used for historical figures, legendary characters, and modern-day people who accomplish remarkable things.

彼(かれ)は国民(こくみん)の英雄(えいゆう)だ。

He is a national hero.

歴史(れきし)に名(な)を残(のこ)した英雄(えいゆう)たちの物語(ものがたり)を読(よ)む。

Read stories of heroes who left their names in history.

英雄(えいゆう)色(いろ)を好(この)むということわざがあるが、実際(じっさい)の英雄(えいゆう)には質素(しっそ)な人(ひと)も多(おお)い。

There is a proverb that says heroes are fond of romance, but in reality, many great figures were frugal people.

Usage

英雄(えいゆう) is a somewhat literary or elevated word for "hero." In everyday conversation, ヒーロー (hero, loanword) is also widely used, especially for fictional or pop-culture heroes. 英雄(えいゆう) tends to suggest a more serious, historically significant figure.

The proverb 英雄(えいゆう)色(いろ)を好(この)む (heroes are fond of romance / great men have great appetites for love) is well known in Japanese.

Common collocations

英雄(えいゆう)伝説(でんせつ) (hero legend)
英雄(えいゆう)的(てき) (heroic)
悲劇(ひげき)の英雄(えいゆう) (tragic hero)
民族(みんぞく)の英雄(えいゆう) (national hero)
英雄(えいゆう)色(いろ)を好(この)む (heroes are fond of romance — proverb)

Similar words

ヒーロー: hero (loanword, casual, often for fictional heroes)
勇者(ゆうしゃ): brave warrior, hero (common in games and fantasy)
豪傑(ごうけつ): bold hero, mighty warrior (emphasizes physical prowess)

Related Words

Synonym: ヒーロー (loanword, casual)

Synonym: 勇者(ゆうしゃ) (brave warrior, games)

Compare: 豪傑(ごうけつ) (bold hero, mighty warrior)

general

Added 2026.2.28 9:55 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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