daring

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 敢 has 12 strokes and the on-reading かん. 敢えて (あえて) describes daring or deliberately choosing to act; 勇敢 (ゆうかん) describes bravery.
• Basic usage: 敢えて concerns choosing a less easy or less usual course. 勇敢 evaluates courage in facing danger.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Deliberate choices and courage
  • 敢えて反対意見を述べた describes daring to disagree while others were silent. 敢えて川沿いを歩いた describes deliberately choosing the riverside over a convenient shortcut.
  • 勇敢に進んだ means advancing bravely; 勇敢な行動 means a courageous action. A choice expressed by 敢えて does not always involve bravery in danger.