The word 胆怯 (dǎnqiè), meaning "timid" or "cowardly," is a coordinative compound formed by combining two characters with related meanings. The first character, 胆 (dǎn), literally means "gallbladder," which in traditional Chinese medicine and culture is metaphorically associated with courage and bravery (e.g., 胆子大, "bold"). The second character, 怯 (qiè), directly means "fearful" or "afraid." When combined, they create a semantic synergy where 胆 (the seat of courage) is in a state of 怯 (fear), thus conceptually illustrating a "lack of courage" or "timidity." This formation follows a common pattern in Chinese where two morphemes, often a metaphorical organ and an emotional state, are paired to express a complex psychological trait.