Meanings of 胆小
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AI Study Notes for 胆小
胆怯 (dǎnqiè) - use 胆小 (dǎnxiǎo) for a more general description of timidity, while 胆怯 focuses specifically on fear in confronting situations.
Learners often confuse 胆小 with similar expressions like 胆怯 (dǎn qiè), which also means timid but has a slightly different nuance. This term is more informal and can be used in everyday speech but should be avoided in formal contexts. Common collocations include 胆小鬼 (dǎn xiǎo guǐ) for 'coward.'
胆小 is not part of HSK vocabulary lists but is useful for learners at intermediate levels looking to express personality traits. Students should focus on its application in various scenarios and how it contrasts with words like 勇敢 (yǒng gǎn), meaning brave.
Learners sometimes confuse 胆小 with the more neutral term 小心 (xiǎo xīn), which means 'careful.' For example, saying '他很小心' (tā hěn xiǎo xīn) to imply he is timid is incorrect; use 胆小 instead.
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Component Characters
How to say cowardice in Chinese
“cowardice” in Chinese is胆小
胆小 (dǎn xiǎo) refers to a person who is timid or cowardly, often avoiding challenges or fearful of taking risks. This term is commonly used in both informal conversations and written contexts to describe someone lacking courage or confidence in various situations.
When to use 胆小
Learners often confuse 胆小 with similar expressions like 胆怯 (dǎn qiè), which also means timid but has a slightly different nuance. This term is more informal and can be used in everyday speech but should be avoided in formal contexts. Common collocations include 胆小鬼 (dǎn xiǎo guǐ) for 'coward.'
胆小 or something close to it
胆怯 (dǎnqiè) - use 胆小 (dǎnxiǎo) for a more general description of timidity, while 胆怯 focuses specifically on fear in confronting situations.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 胆小 with the more neutral term 小心 (xiǎo xīn), which means 'careful.' For example, saying '他很小心' (tā hěn xiǎo xīn) to imply he is timid is incorrect; use 胆小 instead.
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Cultural Notes for 胆小
在中国文化中，胆小通常与内向和谨慎的性格特征相关。胆小的人可能不愿意冒险，这在某些情况下被视为一种优点，因为他们更能避免潜在的危险。
中国有句俗语，‘胆小如鼠’，用来形容非常害怕和胆怯的人。这表达了对胆小行为的否定态度。
In Western cultures, while being timid can also be viewed negatively, there may be more acceptance of vulnerability and self-doubt compared to the often harsher judgment in Chinese contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 胆小
Synonyms for 胆小 include '害怕' (hài pà), meaning 'afraid', and '懦弱' (nuò ruò), meaning 'weak'. These words also convey similar ideas of fearfulness and lack of courage.
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