About
The character for gall bladder and subsequently courage, traditionally composed as 膽, integrates the flesh radical 月 with the phonetic component 詹 to originally signify the physical organ. Its simplified form 胆 retains the same radical but replaces the phonetic with 旦, altering the graphical representation while preserving the core semantic link to the body. The term's meaning gradually expanded from a purely anatomical reference to embody metaphorical attributes of bravery and determination, a shift derived from historical cultural and medical perspectives that connected the gall bladder to one's capacity for boldness. This dual significance remains consistent across both character forms, reflecting an enduring conceptual evolution within the Chinese writing system.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我胆子很大。
你有胆量吗？
胆囊在腹部右边。
她胆怯地小声说话。
胆大的人喜欢冒险。
胆识需要慢慢培养。
别做胆小鬼要勇敢。
尽管胆怯他还是完成了任务。