Courageux (or its feminine form, courageuse) is the most common way to say “brave” in French. But French, like English, offers a rich vocabulary for describing someone's courage. Whether you're admiring a hero in a French film, reading a novel, or simply wanting to expand your descriptive vocabulary, knowing these nuances can truly elevate your French. Let's dive into 9 different ways to express 'brave' in French, exploring their subtle differences and contexts!

The standard 'brave' or 'courageous' – courageux/courageuse

The standard “brave” or “courageous” – courageux/courageuse

Courageux/courageuse is the most common adjective in French to describe someone who is "brave" or "courageous."

As an adjective, courageux/courageuse must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. You'll see it in these forms:courageux - masculine singular (e.g., un homme courageux - a brave man)courageuse - feminine singular (e.g., une femme courageuse - a brave woman)courageux - masculine plural (e.g., des hommes courageux - brave men, or a mixed group)courageuses - feminine plural (e.g., des femmes courageuses - brave women)

This adjective can be used in a wide range of situations, from everyday descriptions to more formal contexts, making it highly versatile. It's always appropriate when you want to express bravery.

While primarily meaning "brave," courageux/courageuse can also imply diligence, fortitude, or perseverance, especially in the context of work or facing a difficult situation over time.

Like most French adjectives, courageux/courageuse typically follows the noun it modifies. For example, un soldat courageux (a brave soldier) or une décision courageuse (a courageous decision).

Consider Elle est très courageuse face à l'adversité (She is very brave in the face of adversity) or Ils ont fait un travail courageux (They did a courageous/diligent job), showing both aspects of its meaning.

Other related terms include le courage (the noun "courage"), brave (another adjective for "brave," though often meaning "nice" when placed before the noun), and héroïque ("heroic").

You might frequently hear expressions like Bon courage ! (Good luck! / Stay strong!), which is a common way to encourage someone facing a challenge, or Il faut être courageux pour faire ça (One must be brave to do that).

Remember that the 'x' at the end of courageux is generally silent, but when it becomes courageuse in the feminine form, the 's' sound is pronounced. This pronunciation shift is common for many French adjectives ending in -eux.

💡 * C'est une femme très courageuse. (She is a very brave woman.)

• Mes parents sont courageux, ils ont surmonté beaucoup d'épreuves. (My parents are courageous, they have overcome many hardships.)
• Il a été courageux de dire la vérité. (He was brave to tell the truth.)
• Les pompiers sont des personnes courageuses. (Firefighters are courageous people.)
• Bon courage pour ton examen ! (Good luck with your exam! / Be strong for your exam!)

The 'brave' (can also mean 'good' or 'nice') – brave

In French, the adjective brave is a fascinating word that often trips up English speakers because its most common meaning is quite different from its English cognate. While in English 'brave' means courageous, in French, brave primarily means 'good,' 'kind,' or 'nice,' especially when describing people.

You'll most frequently hear brave used to describe someone's character. For instance, un brave homme means 'a good man' or 'a kind man,' not 'a brave man.' It can also describe animals, such as un chien brave for 'a gentle dog' or 'a well-behaved dog.'

However, to add to the confusion, brave can also mean 'brave' or 'courageous,' similar to its English equivalent. This usage is less common and often carries a slightly more formal, literary, or even archaic nuance. For a clear and modern translation of 'brave,' French speakers almost always opt for courageux (masculine) or courageuse (feminine).

The placement of brave can sometimes offer a subtle clue, though it's not a hard and fast rule. When brave is placed before the noun (e.g., un brave homme), it almost exclusively means 'a good/kind man.' When placed after the noun (e.g., un homme brave), it could imply 'a brave man,' but again, courageux would be the clearer choice for that meaning.

To avoid misunderstandings, a good rule of thumb for learners is this: If you want to express 'brave' in the sense of courageous, use courageux/courageuse. If you hear or read brave, assume it means 'good,' 'kind,' or 'nice' unless the context overwhelmingly suggests a heroic 'brave' meaning, which is rare.

Remembering this distinction is key: brave generally means 'good' or 'nice' in everyday French, while courageux is your go-to for 'brave' as in valiant or fearless.

💡 * C'est un brave homme. (He's a good/kind man.)

• Elle est très brave avec les enfants. (She is very kind/nice with children.)
• Mon chien est très brave. (My dog is very gentle/well-behaved.)
• Les pompiers sont courageux. (The firefighters are brave.)
• Un brave soldat défendait sa patrie. (A brave soldier defended his homeland.)

The 'intrepid' – intrépide

The French adjective intrépide translates directly to “intrepid” in English, meaning fearless, bold, or daring.

Intrépide describes someone who is not afraid of danger or difficulties, someone who faces challenges with courage and resolve.

As an adjective, intrépide modifies nouns and agrees in number with the noun it describes. However, it is invariable in gender, meaning it stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine.

So, you will use intrépide for both masculine and feminine singular nouns (e.g., un explorateur intrépide, une aventurière intrépide). For plural nouns, you simply add an 's': intrépides (e.g., des explorateurs intrépides, des aventurières intrépides).

This word is often used to describe heroes, adventurers, or anyone showing exceptional bravery in challenging situations. It carries a strong, positive connotation of courage and resilience.

Think of it as a more formal and intense way to say 'brave' (courageux/courageuse) or 'daring' (audacieux/audacieuse). It implies a certain steadfastness in the face of fear.

When you hear or use intrépide, picture someone who is truly unfazed by peril, ready to face anything head-on.

💡 * L'explorateur était intrépide face au danger.(The explorer was intrepid in the face of danger.)

• Elle a montré une détermination intrépide.(She showed an intrepid determination.)
• Les pompiers intrépides ont sauvé la famille.(The intrepid firefighters saved the family.)
• Avec son esprit intrépide, il a conquis le sommet.(With his intrepid spirit, he conquered the summit.)
• C'est une femme intrépide qui n'a peur de rien.(She is an intrepid woman who fears nothing.)

The 'heroic' – héroïque

The adjective héroïque in French directly translates to “heroic” or “valiant” in English. It describes something or someone possessing qualities of a hero.

As an adjective, héroïque must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Its singular form remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. For plural, an “s” is added: héroïques.

Héroïque is frequently used to describe acts of bravery, legendary deeds, or individuals who display exceptional courage and self-sacrifice. It often carries a connotation of grandness and historical significance.

Beyond simple bravery, héroïque evokes a sense of extraordinary courage, often in the face of great danger or adversity, aligning with the traditional archetype of a hero.

💡 * Son acte de bravoure était vraiment héroïque. (His act of bravery was truly heroic.)

• Ils ont mené une défense héroïque. (They led a heroic defense.)
• C'est une figure historique héroïque. (He/She is a heroic historical figure.)
• Les efforts héroïques des pompiers ont sauvé la ville. (The heroic efforts of the firefighters saved the city.)
• Elle a fait preuve d'une résistance héroïque. (She showed heroic resistance.)

The 'valiant' – vaillant/vaillante

The adjective vaillant (masculine) and vaillante (feminine) translates to "valiant," "courageous," or "brave" in English.

At its heart, vaillant describes someone who shows courage, bravery, or great determination in their actions or character. It can also imply industriousness or hard work.

You'll use vaillant to praise someone who has faced a challenge with fortitude, exerted considerable effort, or demonstrated admirable resolve. It's a positive descriptor, often used to commend someone's spirit.

As an adjective, vaillant must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use vaillant for masculine nouns (e.g., un homme vaillant) and vaillante for feminine nouns (e.g., une femme vaillante).

The word carries strong positive connotations, suggesting not just physical courage but also moral strength, resilience, and a commendable work ethic. It's a word of respect and admiration.

Employ vaillant/vaillante when you want to highlight someone's bravery, their diligent effort, or their admirable spirit in overcoming difficulties. It's a powerful way to express commendation.

💡 * Il a fait un effort vaillant pour finir le projet. (He made a valiant effort to finish the project.)

• Elle est une femme vaillante qui n'abandonne jamais. (She is a valiant woman who never gives up.)
• Les soldats vaillants ont défendu la ville. (The valiant soldiers defended the city.)
• C'était une tentative vaillante, même si elle n'a pas réussi. (It was a valiant attempt, even if it didn't succeed.)
• Nos grands-parents étaient des gens vaillants. (Our grandparents were valiant people.)

The 'daring' or 'audacious' – audacieux/audacieuse

The 'daring' or 'audacious' – audacieux/audacieuse

In French, audacieux (masculine singular) and audacieuse (feminine singular) translate directly to 'audacious' or 'daring'. These adjectives describe someone or something that shows boldness, courage, and a willingness to take risks. Unlike terms implying recklessness, audacieux generally carries a positive or admiring connotation, highlighting bravery and often innovation.

When you call someone or something audacieux, you are often praising their courage, originality, or pioneering spirit. It's used to describe individuals who aren't afraid to challenge norms, make bold decisions, or embark on ambitious projects. Think of an 'audacious artist' (une artiste audacieuse) or an 'audacious plan' (un plan audacieux).

Beyond simple bravery, audacieux can also be applied to actions or ideas that involve significant risk or push boundaries. An 'audacious gamble' (un pari audacieux) implies a high-stakes move. Similarly, an 'audacious design' (un design audacieux) suggests something strikingly original and unconventional, often requiring a certain boldness to execute or appreciate.

In summary, audacieux/audacieuse is a powerful adjective to describe someone or something characterized by boldness, courage, and a readiness to take on challenges or innovate. It's a word that evokes respect for those who dare to be different or to act decisively, making it a valuable addition to your French vocabulary for expressing admiration.

💡 *Il a fait un choix audacieux en quittant son travail stable. (He made a daring choice by leaving his stable job.)
*C'est une artiste audacieuse qui n'a pas peur d'expérimenter. (She is an audacious artist who isn't afraid to experiment.)
*Le plan était audacieux, mais il a réussi. (The plan was audacious, but it succeeded.)
*Elle a une personnalité audacieuse et n'hésite jamais à prendre des initiatives. (She has a daring personality and never hesitates to take initiatives.)
*Le chef a présenté un menu audacieux pour l'événement. (The chef presented an audacious menu for the event.)

The 'fearless' – sans peur

To express the concept of being 'fearless' in French, you'll commonly use the phrase sans peur.

Literally translating to "without fear," sans peur is an adverbial phrase that describes an action or a person's state of being. It's often used to commend bravery or a lack of apprehension.

Unlike a single adjective, sans peur typically follows the verb or noun it modifies, emphasizing the manner in which an action is performed or a characteristic is held. It conveys a strong sense of courage and daring.

💡 * Il a affronté le danger sans peur. (He faced the danger fearlessly.)

• Elle a plongé dans l'eau froide sans peur. (She dived into the cold water without fear.)
• Les pompiers sont intervenus sans peur pour sauver les victimes. (The firefighters intervened fearlessly to save the victims.)
• C'était une décision prise sans peur, malgré les risques. (It was a decision made without fear, despite the risks.)

The 'full of courage' – plein de courage

The 'full of courage' – plein de courage

The French phrase plein de courage literally translates to 'full of courage.' It's a powerful expression used to describe an individual or a group demonstrating significant bravery, resilience, or mental fortitude, especially when confronting challenges.

Beyond simply describing someone's state, plein de courage is often used to offer encouragement or to wish someone strength. You might say it to someone facing a difficult situation, similar to saying 'be strong' or 'I wish you strength.'

The adjective plein (full) must agree in gender and number with the noun or pronoun it modifies. So, you would say il est plein de courage (he is full of courage), elle est pleine de courage (she is full of courage), ils sont pleins de courage (they (masc.) are full of courage), and elles sont pleines de courage (they (fem.) are full of courage).

💡 * Il a fait preuve de plein de courage face à l'adversité. (He showed a lot of courage in the face of adversity.)

• Je te souhaite plein de courage pour cette nouvelle étape. (I wish you a lot of courage for this new stage.)
• Malgré les obstacles, elle est toujours pleine de courage. (Despite the obstacles, she is always full of courage.)
• Les pompiers étaient pleins de courage en entrant dans le bâtiment en feu. (The firefighters were full of courage entering the burning building.)
• Soyez pleins de courage, nous allons surmonter ça ensemble! (Be full of courage, we will overcome this together!)

The 'resolute' or 'determined' – résolu/résolue

The French adjective résolu (masculine singular) or résolue (feminine singular) translates to 'resolute,' 'determined,' or 'resolved.' It describes someone or something characterized by firm purpose and unwavering commitment.

As an adjective, résolu/résolue must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The forms are: résolu (masculine singular), résolue (feminine singular), résolus (masculine plural), and résolues (feminine plural).

This adjective conveys a strong sense of purpose and unwavering will. It's often used to describe someone who has made a firm decision and is committed to seeing it through, or a strong, decisive gaze or attitude.

A very common construction is être résolu à faire quelque chose, meaning 'to be determined to do something' or 'to be resolved to do something.' This highlights the active decision to undertake an action.

💡 * Elle est résolue à réussir son examen. (She is determined to pass her exam.)

• Son attitude résolue a impressionné tout le monde. (His resolute attitude impressed everyone.)
• Les dirigeants étaient résolus face aux difficultés. (The leaders were resolute in the face of difficulties.)
• Je suis résolue à ne pas me laisser décourager. (I am determined not to let myself be discouraged.)

Are there other ways to say 'brave' in French?

Are there other ways to say “brave” in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say “brave” or “courageous” in French. But there are other terms, from old-fashioned ones, to regional ones, to up-and-coming slang ones this middle-aged author might not even be aware of!

You can also do an online search for “comment dire courageux en ___” followed by a specific Francophone country or region.

You might find some interesting synonyms for courageux or brave on this list. Of course, make sure to check a word’s definition and try to see it used in context before you use it.

Pay attention as you read, watch, and listen to things in French — you may discover different ways to talk about bravery or courageous acts.

And if you’re looking for ways to talk about different kinds of bravery, or words about courage in French, the WordReference entry for courageux is a great place to start!

I hope you found this article helpful. Here’s what I think is the perfect quote to finish it with, courtesy of Nelson Mandela: Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.