The word 胆量 is formed through a vivid conceptual blend. It combines 胆 (dǎn), meaning "gallbladder", the organ traditionally believed in Chinese thought to be the physical seat of courage and daring, with 量 (liàng), meaning "measure", "capacity", or "quantity". Together, they create a powerful metaphor: one's "measure of gallbladder" or "capacity of courage", visually conceptualizing bravery as an internal, quantifiable substance stored within the body, which one can possess in greater or lesser amounts.