About

The word 胆小鬼 is formed through a vivid, three-step metaphorical construction. It begins with 胆 (dǎn), meaning "gallbladder", which in Chinese culture traditionally symbolizes courage. This is immediately diminished by 小 (xiǎo), meaning "small", to directly convey "small courage" or timidity. The final character 鬼 (guǐ), meaning "ghost" or "spirit", then personifies this trait, transforming the abstract idea of cowardice into a spectral, contemptible figure, a "tiny-courage ghost", that hauntingly embodies the nature of a fearful person.

Example Sentences Hide

他是个胆小鬼

Tā shì gè dǎnxiǎoguǐ.

He is a coward.

胆小鬼不敢独自睡觉。

Dǎnxiǎoguǐ bù gǎn dúzì shuìjiào.

The coward does not dare to sleep alone.

因为他是胆小鬼,所以总是逃避困难。

Yīnwèi tā shì dǎnxiǎoguǐ, suǒyǐ zǒng shì táobì kùnnán.

Because he is a coward, he always avoids difficulties.

与其做个胆小鬼,不如勇敢面对挑战。

Yǔqí zuò gè dǎnxiǎoguǐ, bùrú yǒnggǎn miànduì tiǎozhàn.

Rather than being a coward, it is better to bravely face challenges.

那个自称是英雄的人,实际上是个连黑暗都害怕的胆小鬼

Nàgè zìchēng shì yīngxióng de rén, shíjì shàng shì gè lián hēi'àn dōu hàipà de dǎnxiǎoguǐ.

The person who claims to be a hero is actually a coward who is even afraid of the dark.

Word Definition - 胆小鬼

dǎn xiǎo guǐ coward

Individual Character Details