While the words "courage" and "bravery" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle yet important distinctions between them. Courage is generally associated with overcoming fear and uncertainty, often in the face of something difficult or painful. Bravery, on the other hand, often implies facing a known danger or risk with boldness and confidence. Think of courage as the strength to do what's right even when you're scared, while bravery is the daring to confront a threat head-on.

For example, a person showing courage might speak up against injustice despite the potential consequences.
English sentence: She showed great courage when she reported the bullying to the teacher, even though she was afraid of retaliation. Translation: She was very courageous when she told the teacher about the bullying, even though she feared that she would be punished for doing that.

In contrast, bravery might be demonstrated by a firefighter rushing into a burning building to save someone.
English sentence: The firefighter showed incredible bravery rescuing the family from the burning house. Translation: The firefighter was incredibly brave when he rescued the family from the burning house.

Another example of courage could be facing personal challenges such as overcoming a debilitating illness or admitting mistakes and apologizing. Bravery, might be exemplified by a soldier charging into battle or participating in a dangerous sport. Note that both words carry a strong positive connotation, emphasizing strength of character.

Sometimes, the two words can overlap. A soldier who faces enemy fire is undeniably both brave and courageous. However, the nuances in meaning allow for more precise use of language. Understanding this difference makes your English writing more sophisticated and impactful.

Happy learning!