B2 noun Neutral 1 min read

大胆

da dan /ˈtɑː dɑn/

Dàdǎn signifies boldness and daring, ranging from commendable courage to potentially reckless behavior depending on the context.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Bold; daring; courageous; sometimes reckless.
  • Describes actions, people, or attitudes.
  • Context determines positive or negative connotation.

Overview

“大胆”这个词在中文里有着丰富的含义,核心意思是指一个人在面对潜在的风险、挑战或未知时,不感到害怕,并且愿意采取行动。这种“敢”的精神是“大胆”的基石。然而,“大胆”的用法并不局限于正面意义,它也可以用来形容某种行为或态度过于出格、不合常规,甚至带有一定的鲁莽或不顾后果的意味。因此,理解“大胆”需要结合具体的语境来判断其褒贬色彩。

“大胆”可以用来形容人的性格、行为、想法、甚至某些艺术创作。它经常与表示“敢于做某事”的动词搭配使用,例如“大胆尝试”、“大胆创新”、“大胆发言”。在形容行为出格时,它可能带有批评的意味,比如“行为大胆”、“穿着大胆”。在某些语境下,“大胆”也可以作为一种赞扬,形容一个人有魄力、有创意、不墨守成规。

**鲁莽 (lǔmǎng)**: “鲁莽”则完全是贬义词,指做事冲动、欠考虑、不顾后果,与“大胆”中可能包含的积极意义截然不同。它强调的是行为的欠缺思考和潜在的危害性。

“大胆”则介于“勇敢”和“鲁莽”之间,它既可以指积极的、有勇气的行为,也可以指不顾后果的、出格的举动,具体含义需根据语境判断。

Examples

1

他提出了一个非常大胆的设想,可能会改变整个行业。

academic

He proposed a very bold idea that could change the entire industry.

2

这位年轻的摄影师以其大胆的构图和色彩运用而闻名。

artistic

The young photographer is known for her bold composition and use of color.

3

在那个保守的年代,她的穿着风格显得十分大胆。

historical

In that conservative era, her fashion sense appeared quite daring.

4

我们需要大胆一点,不要害怕失败。

informal

We need to be a bit bolder and not be afraid of failure.

Common Collocations

大胆尝试 boldly try; dare to try
大胆创新 boldly innovate
大胆发言 speak out boldly
大胆假设 bold assumption
大胆的决定 bold decision

Common Phrases

大胆地

boldly

大胆包天

extremely audacious; unbelievably daring (often negative)

胆大心细

bold and meticulous (a desirable combination)

Often Confused With

大胆 vs 勇敢 (yǒnggǎn)

'Yǒnggǎn' specifically refers to courage in the face of danger or adversity, often with a moral dimension. 'Dàdǎn' is broader and can also describe actions that are simply unconventional or perhaps reckless.

大胆 vs 鲁莽 (lǔmǎng)

'Lǔmǎng' is always negative, meaning reckless or rash, implying a lack of thought and potential negative consequences. 'Dàdǎn' can sometimes carry this negative meaning, but it can also be positive, unlike 'lǔmǎng'.

Grammar Patterns

形容词 + 地 + 动词 (e.g., 大胆地尝试) 副词 + 大胆 (e.g., 更加大胆) 名词 + 很/非常 + 大胆 (e.g., 他的想法很大胆)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word 'dàdǎn' can carry both positive and negative connotations. In formal settings, it often implies courageous innovation or strong conviction. In informal contexts, it might describe someone's eccentric behavior or a risky venture. Pay close attention to the context to interpret its precise meaning and register.


Common Mistakes

Learners might overuse 'dàdǎn' for simple bravery where 'yǒnggǎn' would be more precise. Conversely, using 'dàdǎn' for actions that are clearly reckless or foolish without acknowledging the negative aspect can be misleading. Ensure the context supports the intended meaning, whether positive or negative.

Tips

💡

Consider Context for Meaning

Always pay attention to the surrounding words and situation when you encounter 'dàdǎn' to determine if it's praise or criticism.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse for Recklessness

While 'dàdǎn' can mean brave, be cautious using it to describe potentially dangerous or foolish actions, as it might sound like endorsement.

🌍

Cultural Value of Daring

In Chinese culture, while prudence is valued, there's also respect for those who dare to innovate and challenge the status quo, making 'dàdǎn' a complex term.

Word Origin

The character '大' (dà) means 'big' or 'great', and '胆' (dǎn) means 'gallbladder' or 'courage'. The gallbladder was historically associated with bravery in traditional Chinese medicine. Thus, 'dàdǎn' literally implies 'great courage' or 'big gallbladder'.

Cultural Context

In many Chinese contexts, while prudence is valued, there is also admiration for individuals who demonstrate 'dàdǎn' by challenging norms, innovating, or speaking truth to power. It signifies a willingness to take calculated risks for a greater good or breakthrough.

Memory Tip

Imagine a lion (bold animal) roaring loudly ('dà') with a big mouth ('dǎn' sounds like 'mouth'). This lion is not afraid to show its power or try new hunting grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“勇敢”更侧重于面对危险或痛苦时的不退缩,常带有道德上的正义感,是纯粹的褒义词。“大胆”的含义更广,可以指勇敢,也可以指行为出格、不拘小节,甚至鲁莽,需要看具体语境。

不一定。“大胆”可以用来赞扬一个人有魄力、敢于创新,是褒义。但有时也用来形容行为出格、不合常理,甚至鲁莽,这时就带有贬义。

当“大胆”用来形容一个人做事不计后果、冲动行事,或者其行为举止严重违反社会规范、令人不适时,它就带有负面含义,这时更接近“鲁莽”的意思。

“大胆”可以形容人的性格(大胆的人)、行为(大胆的举动)、想法(大胆的设想)、穿着(大胆的服饰)、艺术创作(大胆的风格)等等。

Test Yourself

fill blank

这位年轻的艺术家以其_________的画风在艺术界崭露头角。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

这里形容画风“崭露头角”,意味着其风格独特且引人注目,用“大胆”形容其创新和前卫的风格最为恰当。

multiple choice

下列哪个句子中的“大胆”是褒义的?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

选项b中,“大胆地陈述观点”是在面对质疑时坚持自己立场,是一种积极、值得肯定的行为,故为褒义。选项a、c、d中的“大胆”则偏向于不合时宜、鲁莽或不恰当。

sentence building

请用“大胆”和“尝试”造句。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: c

选项c将“大胆”和“尝试”结合,明确表达了鼓励人们勇于探索新方法的积极含义,符合“大胆”的正面用法。

Score: /3

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