Chinese word

胆子

Pronunciation

Pinyindǎn zi

Meaning

  • nounnerve

Example

他胆子很小，不敢发言。tā dǎn zi hén xiǎo bù gǎn fā yán

He has little nerve and is afraid to speak.

Illustration for 胆子 (nerve)

More examples

她鼓起胆子向老师提了一个问题。tā gú qǐ dǎn zi xiàng lǎo shī tí le yí gè wèn tí

She mustered her courage to ask the teacher a question.

Core concept

A store of inner courage that supports action when danger or difficulty stands in the way.

Common phrases

  • 鼓起胆子gú qǐ dǎn zi

    muster courage

  • 有胆子yǒu dǎn zi

    have guts

Similar words

勇气yǒng qì: The courage to face danger or worry and still take action.
胆量dǎn liàng: The daring needed to make a bold move or handle a hard situation.
胆识dǎn shí: The insight and courage needed to judge a situation well and act wisely.

Definition in Chinese

指在危险或困难面前敢于采取行动的胆量或勇气。zhǐ zài wēi xiǎn huò kùn nán miàn qián gǎn yú cái qǔ xíng dòng de dǎn liàng huò yǒng qì

Word origin

胆子 (dǎnzi, "nerve") combines 胆 (dǎn, "gallbladder") + 子 (zi, "noun suffix"), reflecting the long-standing association of the gallbladder with courage in Chinese.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this noun often combines with words meaning big or small to describe a person's general boldness, not only one brave act.

Other meanings

  • gutsnoun

Opposites

  • 怯懦qiè nuòcowardicenoun
  • 胆小鬼dán xiáo guǐcowardnoun

Related words

  • 胆量dǎn liàngnervenoun
  • 胆大dǎn dàboldadjective

Word lists with this word