胆 (dǎn) - gallbladder & courage

胆Tone 3

dǎn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

胆 · dǎn

gallbladder;

courage;

bravery;

nerve;

internal organ that stores bile and is associated with bravery in Chinese medicine

gallbladdercouragebravery

Usage highlights

gallbladdercourageoustimidcourage and insightgallstonegallbladder surgery

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 怯— timid, cowardly
  • 懦— cowardly, weak

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He has great courage (他很胆大).
  • The gallbladder is an important organ (胆囊是重要器官).
  • She was scared out of her wits (她被吓破了胆).
  • This requires boldness and vision (这需要胆识).

Collocations

  • gallbladder(胆囊)
  • courageous(胆大)
  • timid(胆小)
  • courage and insight(胆识)
  • gallstone(胆结石)
  • gallbladder surgery(胆手术)

Idioms

  • Bold and resolute, decisive in action(胆大心细)
  • Having the courage of one's convictions(胆识过人)
  • Scared out of one's wits(胆战心惊)
  • Open heart and bold spirit(肝胆相照)
  • Full of courage(浑身是胆)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, the gallbladder is considered one of the 'six fu organs' and is associated with decision-making and courage.
  • The concept of 'gallbladder' (胆) is metaphorically extended to mean courage or boldness in Chinese culture.
  • In Chinese martial arts and philosophy, a 'big gallbladder' (胆大) signifies bravery while a 'small gallbladder' (胆小) indicates timidity.

FAQ