けなげさ
けなげさ
noun
admirable courage; brave devotion; pluck
1.
admirable courage; brave devotion; pluck; touching bravery
The quality of showing brave and determined effort despite being small, young, or in a weak position. Often evokes a sense of being moved or touched by someone's spirit.
子供のけなげさに心を打たれた。
I was moved by the child's brave spirit.
病気と闘うそのけなげさに涙が出た。
Tears came to my eyes at the brave way they fought their illness.
小さな体で一生懸命働くそのけなげさが、周りの人たちの心を動かした。
The touching bravery of working so hard with such a small body moved the people around them.
The noun form of the adjective けなげ (admirable, brave, plucky). This word describes bravery and determination that is especially moving because it comes from someone small, young, weak, or in a difficult position — it evokes sympathy and admiration simultaneously.
USAGE:
Most often used about children, animals, or people in vulnerable situations who show remarkable spirit. It carries strong emotional weight and is often used in literary or sentimental contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- けなげさに心を打たれる: to be moved by someone's plucky spirit
- けなげさに涙する: to be brought to tears by someone's bravery
- けなげな姿: a brave and admirable figure
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 勇気: courage — general term for bravery, without the emotional nuance of sympathy
- 健気: admirable, plucky — the adjective form
- 根性: guts, perseverance — rougher, emphasizes toughness rather than touching bravery