Timid and fearful, showing a lack of bravery when facing challenges.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes a lack of courage or confidence.
- Characterized by fear, hesitation, and avoidance.
- Often seen in challenging or new situations.
Overview
胆怯（dǎn qiè）是一个形容词，用来描述一个人在面对某些情况时表现出的害怕、懦弱、缺乏勇气或自信的状态。它强调的是一种内在的心理状态，导致个体在行为上表现出退缩、犹豫不决或不敢承担风险。胆怯与勇敢、果断等品质相对立。
胆怯通常用来形容人的性格、行为或在特定情境下的反应。它可以直接修饰名词（如“胆怯的孩子”），也可以用作谓语（如“他显得有些胆怯”）。在描述他人时，使用“胆怯”可能带有一定的负面评价，但它也可能是一种客观的描述，尤其是在分析人物性格时。
胆怯常出现在描述儿童的成长经历、职场新人面对挑战时的表现、或者在面对危险、竞争、公开演讲等需要勇气的情境中。例如，一个孩子可能因为胆怯不敢独自睡觉；一个员工可能因为胆怯不敢提出自己的想法；一个人可能因为胆怯而错失良机。
“害羞”主要指在社交场合感到不自在、不好意思，脸红或回避目光。它通常与内向、腼腆有关，不一定伴随强烈的恐惧感。胆怯则更强调害怕和缺乏勇气。
“懦弱”比“胆怯”更侧重于缺乏骨气和意志力，强调在压力面前容易屈服，甚至背叛原则。胆怯更多是基于恐惧，而懦弱则可能包含更深层次的道德或意志上的缺陷。
“退缩”是一个动词，指向后退、回避或不愿前进。它可以是胆怯行为的表现，但退缩本身也可以是出于其他原因，如策略性回避或身体不适。胆怯是导致退缩的心理原因之一。
Examples
那个孩子因为胆怯，总是躲在妈妈身后。
everydayThe child, being timid, always hides behind his mother.
尽管内心有些胆怯，他还是鼓起勇气站上了讲台。
formalAlthough feeling somewhat cowardly inside, he summoned the courage to step onto the podium.
别那么胆怯，大胆去尝试一下又不会怎么样！
informalDon't be so timid, just give it a try, what's the worst that can happen!
研究表明，童年时期的某些经历可能导致成年后性格胆怯。
academicResearch indicates that certain childhood experiences may lead to a timid personality in adulthood.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
胆小怕事
timid and afraid of trouble
无所畏惧
fearless
壮着胆子
mustering up courage
Often Confused With
Shyness (害羞) is about feeling awkward or embarrassed in social situations, often leading to blushing or avoiding eye contact. Timidity (胆怯) is a deeper lack of courage or confidence, driven by fear and a reluctance to act or face challenges.
Cowardice (懦弱) implies a lack of moral strength or backbone, often involving weakness of will and a tendency to yield under pressure, sometimes betraying principles. Timidity (胆怯) is primarily about fear and lack of bravery, not necessarily a moral failing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '胆怯' describes a state of fearfulness and lack of courage. It's often used to describe personality traits or reactions to specific challenging situations. While it can be a neutral description, it can also carry a negative connotation, implying weakness.
Common Mistakes
Be careful not to confuse '胆怯' (timid/cowardly) with '害羞' (shy). Shyness is more about social awkwardness, while timidity involves a more profound fear and lack of confidence. Also, avoid using '胆怯' too harshly when describing someone, as it can be perceived as overly critical.
Tips
Build Confidence Gradually
Start with small, manageable tasks to build self-assurance. Celebrate small victories to reinforce positive behavior and reduce the feeling of timidity.
Avoid Overgeneralization
Remember that occasional fear or hesitation doesn't necessarily mean someone is inherently 'timid'. Context is important when describing behavior.
Cultural Views on Bravery
In many cultures, bravery is highly valued. While timidity is generally seen negatively, understanding its roots (like social anxiety or past trauma) can foster empathy.
Word Origin
The word '胆怯' is composed of two characters: '胆' (dǎn) meaning 'gallbladder', which in traditional Chinese medicine and culture is associated with courage, and '怯' (qiè) meaning 'fearful', 'timid', or 'cowardly'. Together, they literally mean 'fearful gallbladder', signifying a lack of courage.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, while bravery is admired, understanding the reasons behind timidity, such as upbringing or personal experiences, is also important. It's not always viewed as a purely negative trait but rather a state that can be overcome with support and effort.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person ('人') holding a '胆' (gallbladder, often associated with courage) that is '怯' (weak/fearful). This person is timid and lacks courage when facing things.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“害怕”是一种基本的情绪，是对具体危险或威胁的直接反应。“胆怯”则是一种更持久的性格特质或状态，表现为普遍性的缺乏勇气和自信，害怕去尝试或面对事物，害怕可能带来的后果。
胆怯可能受到先天因素（如气质）和后天因素（如成长环境、经历创伤、缺乏鼓励等）的共同影响。很多时候，后天的经历和教育对性格的形成起着决定性作用。
克服胆怯需要循序渐进地增加自信和勇气。可以从小的、可控的挑战开始，逐步积累成功经验。同时，积极的自我暗示、寻求支持以及学习应对策略也很有帮助。
在需要表达积极、果断品质的正式场合，或者在评价不熟悉的人时，直接使用“胆怯”可能显得不够委婉或过于主观。在某些情况下，使用“犹豫”、“谨慎”等词语可能更合适。
Test Yourself
面对新工作中的挑战，他感到有些___，不敢轻易尝试。
句意描述的是面对挑战时的犹豫和不敢尝试，这符合“胆怯”的含义。
下列哪种情况最能体现“胆怯”？
选项B直接描述了因为害怕而回避某种行为，这正是胆怯的表现。
请用“材料”、“胆怯”、“他”、“这些”、“但”、“不”、“面对”组成句子。
选项C用“不敢面对”和“显得胆怯”连接，逻辑清晰，符合“胆怯”的用法。
Score: /3
Summary
Timid and fearful, showing a lack of bravery when facing challenges.
- Describes a lack of courage or confidence.
- Characterized by fear, hesitation, and avoidance.
- Often seen in challenging or new situations.
Build Confidence Gradually
Start with small, manageable tasks to build self-assurance. Celebrate small victories to reinforce positive behavior and reduce the feeling of timidity.
Avoid Overgeneralization
Remember that occasional fear or hesitation doesn't necessarily mean someone is inherently 'timid'. Context is important when describing behavior.
Cultural Views on Bravery
In many cultures, bravery is highly valued. While timidity is generally seen negatively, understanding its roots (like social anxiety or past trauma) can foster empathy.
Examples
4 of 4那个孩子因为胆怯，总是躲在妈妈身后。
The child, being timid, always hides behind his mother.
尽管内心有些胆怯，他还是鼓起勇气站上了讲台。
Although feeling somewhat cowardly inside, he summoned the courage to step onto the podium.
别那么胆怯，大胆去尝试一下又不会怎么样！
Don't be so timid, just give it a try, what's the worst that can happen!
研究表明，童年时期的某些经历可能导致成年后性格胆怯。
Research indicates that certain childhood experiences may lead to a timid personality in adulthood.
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