Timid or cowardly, describing a lack of courage.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes someone lacking courage.
- Easily frightened and hesitant.
- Often used for people or animals.
Overview
胆小 (dǎn xiǎo) 是一个形容词，意为“timid”或“cowardly”。它描述的是一种性格特质，指某人缺乏勇气，容易感到害怕，在面对挑战或潜在危险时表现出退缩、犹豫或不敢行动。这个词通常带有一定的负面含义，暗示着不够勇敢或不够果断。
胆小 通常直接用作形容词，修饰人或动物。例如：一个胆小的人，一只胆小的兔子。它也可以用作谓语，例如：他有点胆小。在口语中，有时会用“胆小鬼”来指代胆小的人，这更具贬义色彩。
这个词经常出现在描述人物性格的场合，尤其是在故事、儿童读物或日常对话中。例如，描述一个孩子不敢独自去黑屋子，或者一只小动物害怕陌生人。也可以用在描述动物的行为，比如“这只猫很胆小”。
害怕 是一个动词或形容词，表示感到恐惧或担忧。它可以是暂时的情绪反应，也可以是长期的状态。胆小则更侧重于一种持续的性格特质，是害怕情绪的常态化表现。
犹豫 是一个动词或形容词，表示拿不定主意，在行动前迟疑不决。它可能是胆小的表现，但犹豫本身也可以是因为信息不足或权衡利弊，不一定完全源于恐惧。
懦弱 是一个形容词，比胆小更强烈，带有更强的贬义，指缺乏勇气和决心，甚至在应该挺身而出时选择退缩，有“卑鄙”的意味。胆小相对来说语气稍轻。
Examples
那个孩子有点胆小，不敢和陌生人说话。
everydayThat child is a bit timid and doesn't dare to talk to strangers.
即使面对困难，我们也不能胆小退缩。
formalEven when facing difficulties, we cannot be cowardly and retreat.
别那么胆小，跳下去试试！
informalDon't be so timid, just jump down and try!
研究表明，某些动物的胆小行为是其生存策略的一部分。
academicResearch indicates that the timid behavior of certain animals is part of their survival strategy.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
胆小如鼠
timid as a mouse
别胆小
Don't be timid
他很胆小
He is very timid
Often Confused With
'害怕' (hài pà) is a verb or adjective meaning 'to be scared' or 'afraid'. It can describe a temporary emotion. '胆小' (dǎn xiǎo) describes a more permanent personality trait of being timid or lacking courage.
'懦弱' (nuò ruò) is a stronger, more negative term than '胆小'. It implies a lack of courage and resolve, often to the point of being morally weak or failing to act when one should.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and literature. It can be used to describe both people and animals. While generally understood, using it to directly criticize an adult might be considered impolite in some contexts, depending on the tone and situation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '胆小' (timid personality) with '害怕' (feeling scared at a specific moment). Remember that '胆小' refers to a characteristic, not just a temporary reaction.
Tips
Focus on Lack of Courage
Remember '胆小' highlights a consistent lack of bravery, not just a fleeting fear.
Avoid Overuse on Adults
While descriptive, calling adults '胆小' can sometimes be impolite or critical.
Bravery Valued in Culture
Chinese culture often values bravery and resilience, so '胆小' can be seen negatively.
Word Origin
The word '胆' (dǎn) originally referred to the gallbladder, which in traditional Chinese medicine was believed to be the seat of courage. '小' (xiǎo) means small. Thus, '胆小' literally suggests 'small gallbladder' or 'small courage', implying timidity.
Cultural Context
In many East Asian cultures, including Chinese culture, bravery and strength are often admired traits. Therefore, while '胆小' is a descriptive term, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of desirable character.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, timid mouse (小老鼠) that is scared of everything. '胆小' sounds like 'dǎn' (gallbladder, associated with courage) + 'xiǎo' (small), suggesting 'small courage'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions害怕是一种情绪，可以是暂时的，比如突然听到巨响会害怕。胆小则是一种性格，指一个人经常性地容易感到害怕，缺乏勇气。
胆小主要用来形容人，也可以用来形容动物，比如“胆小的小狗”。
在很多情况下，说一个人胆小可能带有批评或贬低的意味，但有时也可能只是客观描述，尤其是在描述孩子或动物时，语气会比较温和。
有的，比如“懦弱”比胆小更严重，带有更强的负面评价，指完全缺乏勇气和担当。
Test Yourself
他天生______，不敢一个人走夜路。
根据句子描述“不敢一个人走夜路”，说明这个人缺乏勇气，所以“胆小”是最合适的词。
下列哪个词最能形容“胆小”？
“胆小”的中文意思是缺乏勇气，容易害怕，这与英文的“timid”意思最为接近。
请用“胆小”描述一只小动物。
“胆小”是形容词，需要用来修饰名词（如“小狗”）或作谓语。选项“小狗很胆小”结构正确，意思也符合。
Score: /3
Summary
Timid or cowardly, describing a lack of courage.
- Describes someone lacking courage.
- Easily frightened and hesitant.
- Often used for people or animals.
Focus on Lack of Courage
Remember '胆小' highlights a consistent lack of bravery, not just a fleeting fear.
Avoid Overuse on Adults
While descriptive, calling adults '胆小' can sometimes be impolite or critical.
Bravery Valued in Culture
Chinese culture often values bravery and resilience, so '胆小' can be seen negatively.
Examples
4 of 4那个孩子有点胆小，不敢和陌生人说话。
That child is a bit timid and doesn't dare to talk to strangers.
即使面对困难，我们也不能胆小退缩。
Even when facing difficulties, we cannot be cowardly and retreat.
别那么胆小，跳下去试试！
Don't be so timid, just jump down and try!
研究表明，某些动物的胆小行为是其生存策略的一部分。
Research indicates that the timid behavior of certain animals is part of their survival strategy.
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