qahramon

Qahramon is the Uzbek word for “hero” or “champion.” It refers to a person who acts with exceptional courage, skill, or moral integrity, and is used in everyday speech, literature, and media. The plural form is qahramonlar, and the related noun qahramonlik denotes heroism or heroic deeds.

Etymology and cognates: The term is of Turkic origin and is closely related to the Turkish word kahraman. The Uzbek form reflects historical linguistic contact with Persian and Arabic sources and the broader Turkic-speaking region, where variants of similar meaning are common.

Official usage: In Uzbekistan, the phrase appears in national titles such as O'zbekiston Qahramoni (Hero of Uzbekistan), an honor awarded for distinguished service or bravery. Historically, the Soviet-era title Mehnat qahramoni (Hero of Labour) marked outstanding achievement in industry or science, and similar honors existed in the region.

Cultural role: In folklore, literature, and contemporary media, qahramon denotes figures who oppose adversity, lead communities, or perform acts of sacrifice. The term may be applied to contemporary heroes in disasters, military service, sports, or civic life, and can be used both descriptively and honorifically.

See also: Hero of Uzbekistan; Hero of Labour; qahramonlar.