勇気を持つ

You can use this phrase in many ways. To tell someone to be brave, say 勇気を持って (Yuuki o motte). This is like saying 'Have courage and go for it!' If you want to describe a person, you can say 彼は勇気を持っている (He has courage). It works just like a regular verb phrase. You can change the ending to fit the tense. For example, 勇気を持った means 'I had courage.' It is very versatile and easy to slot into sentences. Just remember to use the particle を (o) in the middle.

Use this when the stakes feel a bit high. It is perfect for big life moments. Think about a friend confessing their love to a crush. Or maybe a colleague giving a huge presentation. You might even use it for yourself before a job interview. It sounds very supportive and sincere. It's great for pep talks or graduation cards. If someone is moving to a new country, this is the perfect thing to say. It acknowledges that the situation is scary but they can handle it.

Don't use this for tiny, everyday things. If your friend is scared of a tiny spider, saying 勇気を持って might sound too dramatic. It could come off as sarcastic or teasing. Also, avoid it in very casual slang situations where you might just say いけ！ (Go!). It is a bit too 'heavy' for choosing what to eat for lunch. Unless, of course, you are about to eat fermented soybeans (natto) for the first time. Then, a little courage might actually be required!

In Japan, the concept of courage is deeply respected. It links back to the old samurai spirit of Bushido. However, modern Japanese culture also values 'Gaman' (endurance). 勇気を持つ is slightly different from just enduring. it is about the active choice to be bold. You will see this phrase a lot in Shonen anime and manga. It is the classic line a hero says before facing a dragon. It represents the transition from fear to action. It is a very positive, 'main character' kind of thing to say.

The most common variation is 勇気を出す (Yuuki o dasu). This means 'to pull out courage.' While 持つ is about having it, 出す is about the specific moment you use it. You can also say 勇気ある (Yuuki aru) to describe a 'courageous' person or act. In very formal settings, you might hear 勇気を奮い起こす (Yuuki o furuiokosu). This means 'to summon up all one's courage.' It sounds like something from a historical drama. For daily life, 勇気を持つ remains the most balanced and natural choice.