敢 (gǎn) - dare & courageous

敢Tone 3

gǎn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

敢 · gǎn

dare;

courageous;

bold;

to have the audacity;

used to indicate bravery or willingness to take risks.

darecourageousbold

Usage highlights

dare tocourageous personbold and resolutedare to actbrave and fearlessdare to think

Synonyms

  • 勇— brave; courageous
  • 胆— gall; courage
  • 悍— bold; fierce

Antonyms

  • 怯— timid; cowardly
  • 畏— fear; dread
  • 怕— afraid; fearful

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He dared to challenge the authority (敢挑战权威).
  • I don't dare to go alone at night (不敢一个人走夜路).
  • She is brave enough to speak the truth (敢说真话).
  • Would you dare to try this extreme sport?(敢尝试这项极限运动吗?)

Collocations

  • dare to(敢)
  • courageous person(敢者)
  • bold and resolute(果敢)
  • dare to act(敢为)
  • brave and fearless(勇敢无畏)
  • dare to think(敢想)

Idioms

  • Dare to be the first(敢为人先)
  • Brave enough to act and take responsibility(敢作敢当)
  • Dare to think and dare to act(敢想敢干)
  • Bold and resolute in action(果敢行动)
  • Fear nothing in heaven or earth(敢作敢为)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, 敢 represents courage and initiative, highly valued in both historical and modern contexts.
  • The character is often used in motivational contexts to encourage bold action and innovation.
  • Traditionally associated with heroic figures who dared to challenge conventions and authority.

FAQ