A2 noun Neutral 1 min read

英雄

yīngxióng /yɪŋ xiɔŋ/

A hero is someone admired for brave and noble actions, often helping others in times of need.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • A person admired for courage.
  • Someone who helps others in danger.
  • Often inspires people with their actions.

Overview

“英雄” (yīngxióng) 是一个汉语名词,意为“hero”。它指的是那些在面临巨大困难、危险或挑战时,表现出非凡勇气、力量、智慧或牺牲精神的人物。英雄的行为往往能够激励人心,带来积极的改变,甚至拯救他人或整个群体。这个词既可以指现实生活中的普通人,也可以指文学、影视作品中的虚构人物。

“英雄”一词的使用非常广泛,可以用来形容那些在不同领域做出杰出贡献的人。例如,在战争中英勇作战的士兵、在灾难中救死扶伤的医护人员、在科学领域取得突破性成就的研究者,甚至是在日常生活中帮助他人、坚持正义的普通人,都可以被称为英雄。它常常与“伟大”、“勇敢”、“牺牲”、“奉献”等词语一同出现。

在日常对话中,人们会用“英雄”来赞扬那些做了了不起事情的人。在新闻报道中,它常被用来描述在紧急事件中表现突出的人物。在教育和文学作品中,“英雄”是塑造人物形象、传递价值观的重要概念。例如,“消防员是真正的英雄”,“这位医生就像我们的英雄一样”,“他是个时代的英雄”。

与“英雄”相似的词语包括“勇士” (yǒngshì) 和“豪杰” (háojié)。“勇士”更侧重于勇敢和战斗精神,常用于描述战士或在挑战中不畏艰难的人。“豪杰”则强调才能出众、气魄宏大,常指才能和胆识兼具的杰出人物。相比之下,“英雄”的含义最为广泛,包含了勇气、智慧、牺牲和对社会的贡献,是这几个词中最具正面和激励意义的词。

Examples

1

这位医生在疫情期间不顾个人安危,一直坚守在岗位上,真是个英雄。

everyday

This doctor stayed at their post during the pandemic, disregarding personal safety. They are truly a hero.

2

在国家危难之际,无数英雄挺身而出,保家卫国。

formal

At the nation's time of crisis, countless heroes stepped forward to defend the country.

3

你看过那个电影吗?主角简直太酷了,是个大英雄!

informal

Have you seen that movie? The main character is so cool, a total hero!

4

历史上有许多为民族解放事业做出巨大贡献的英雄人物。

academic

History records many heroic figures who made significant contributions to the cause of national liberation.

Common Collocations

民族英雄 National hero
平民英雄 Everyday hero / Ordinary hero
英雄事迹 Heroic deeds
英雄主义 Heroism

Common Phrases

大英雄

Great hero

人民英雄

People's hero

英雄本色

Hero's true colors

Often Confused With

英雄 vs 勇士

'Yongshi' (勇士) specifically emphasizes bravery and fighting spirit, often used for warriors or those facing challenges head-on. 'Yingxiong' (英雄) is broader, encompassing sacrifice, wisdom, and positive impact beyond just bravery.

英雄 vs 伟人

'Weiren' (伟人) means 'great person' and refers to individuals of extraordinary achievement or influence, often in politics, science, or arts. While heroes can be 'weiren', not all 'weiren' are necessarily heroes in the sense of performing specific acts of bravery or sacrifice.

Grammar Patterns

Noun + 是 + 英雄 (e.g., 他是一位英雄。) 形容词 + 英雄 (e.g., 民族英雄) 英雄 + 的 + Noun (e.g., 英雄事迹)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term '英雄' (yīngxióng) is a highly positive and respected term. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when referring to someone who has performed exceptionally brave or selfless acts. Avoid using it casually for minor good deeds, as it might sound exaggerated.


Common Mistakes

Confusing '英雄' with '好人' (good person) can be a mistake; 'hero' implies extraordinary actions beyond basic goodness. Also, directly translating 'hero' into Chinese without considering the context might not always capture the intended nuance.

Tips

💡

Think of brave actions.

When you hear '英雄', picture someone acting bravely in a difficult situation to help others.

⚠️

Don't overuse 'hero'.

Calling everyone a 'hero' can diminish the meaning. Reserve it for truly exceptional acts of bravery or sacrifice.

🌍

Cultural heroes matter.

Many cultures have traditional heroes whose stories teach important values like loyalty, courage, and righteousness.

Word Origin

The word '英雄' (yīngxióng) combines '英' (yīng), meaning 'outstanding' or 'heroic', and '雄' (xióng), meaning 'male', 'grand', or 'powerful'. Together, they signify an outstanding and powerful individual, a hero.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, heroes are often revered figures who embody virtues like loyalty, righteousness, and self-sacrifice. Stories of historical heroes and legendary figures play a significant role in shaping cultural values and national identity.

Memory Tip

Imagine an 'eagle' (ying) with 'heroic' (xiong) strength, soaring to save the day. The sound 'yingxiong' can remind you of this powerful, heroic image.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“好人” (hǎorén) 指的是品德好、善良的人。而“英雄”则更强调在特定情况下表现出的非凡勇气、牺牲精神和杰出事迹,是一种更高的赞誉。

当某人做了非常勇敢、有益于他人或社会的事情时,就可以称其为“英雄”。这可以是在战争、灾难、体育竞技,甚至是在日常生活中帮助他人。

当然可以。虽然“英雄”这个词本身没有性别区分,但它可以用来形容做出英勇事迹的女性。例如,我们可以说“女英雄”。

“英雄”是一个非常积极的褒义词,用来表达对某人勇气、品格和行为的高度赞扬和尊敬。

Test Yourself

fill blank

在地震中,消防员们奋不顾身地救出了被困的群众,他们是真正的 ______。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

消防员在危险时刻救助群众,表现了英勇事迹,符合“英雄”的定义。

multiple choice

下列哪种行为最能体现“英雄”的精神?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

在火灾中救出陌生人需要极大的勇气和牺牲精神,这是典型的英雄行为。

sentence building

他 / 是一位 / 英雄 / 帮助 / 了 / 许多人

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

选项b的语序最自然流畅,准确地表达了“他是一位英雄,并且他帮助了许多人”的意思。

Score: /3

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