Otvaga

Otvaga is the transliteration of the Russian noun отвага, meaning courage or bravery in the face of danger. It denotes steadfast resolve, moral spine, and the willingness to endure risk or hardship. The term is used across military, civilian, and literary contexts to describe acts of resolute conduct.

The word originates in Slavic languages and is linked to concepts of boldness and daring. In modern Russian, otvaga is commonly used with verbs such as проявлять отвагу (to display courage) and refers to actions in dangerous or demanding tasks, such as battlefield situations, rescue operations, or high-stakes challenges. It characterizes both individual heroism and collective acts of perseverance.

In literature and public discourse, otvaga has been a prominent motif in depictions of war, exploration, and humanitarian rescue. It is celebrated in biographies, patriotic rhetoric, and films that honor soldiers, pilots, rescuers, and frontline workers. In Russian and post-Soviet culture, expressions of otvaga are used to commend actions that prioritize others’ safety or national interests over personal risk.

Linguistically, otvaga is a feminine noun; related forms include отважный (valiant), отважиться (to dare to do something), смелость (bravery), храбрость (courage), and доблесть (valor). Antonyms include трусость (cowardice) and малодушие (pusillanimity). In English, otvaga is typically translated as courage or bravery.