Meanings of 胆怯
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About 胆怯
Podcast: 胆怯
Podcast: 胆怯
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AI Study Notes for 胆怯
怯懦 (qiènuò) vs 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) — use 胆怯 when emphasizing the emotional state of timidity, while 怯懦 often implies a more chronic or ingrained cowardice.
While 胆怯 is often used in informal contexts, it can also appear in literature to describe characters or emotions. A common mistake is to confuse it with 胆大 (dǎndà), which means bold or courageous. Remember to use the correct tone: 胆怯 should be pronounced dǎnqiè with the third and fourth tones.
As an HSK 6 word, 胆怯 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to emotions and personality traits. Focus on using it in context, particularly in discussions about personal experiences or character analysis in literature.
Learners often confuse 胆怯 with words like 害怕 (hàipà), which means afraid. For example, saying '我很胆怯的' (Wǒ hěn dǎnqiè de) is incorrect; instead, use '我很胆怯' (Wǒ hěn dǎnqiè) without 的.
Pronunciation of 胆怯
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Component Characters
How to say timid in Chinese
“timid” in Chinese is胆怯
胆怯 (dǎnqiè) describes a state of timidity or cowardice, often indicating a lack of confidence in facing challenges. It is commonly used to describe someone who shies away from difficult situations or avoids confrontation due to fear or insecurity.
When to use 胆怯
While 胆怯 is often used in informal contexts, it can also appear in literature to describe characters or emotions. A common mistake is to confuse it with 胆大 (dǎndà), which means bold or courageous. Remember to use the correct tone: 胆怯 should be pronounced dǎnqiè with the third and fourth tones.
胆怯 or something close to it
怯懦 (qiènuò) vs 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) — use 胆怯 when emphasizing the emotional state of timidity, while 怯懦 often implies a more chronic or ingrained cowardice.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 胆怯 with words like 害怕 (hàipà), which means afraid. For example, saying '我很胆怯的' (Wǒ hěn dǎnqiè de) is incorrect; instead, use '我很胆怯' (Wǒ hěn dǎnqiè) without 的.
Write 胆怯
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Practice writing 胆怯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 胆怯
胆怯 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
还差几步他们却____了，又跑回来了。
Their courage failed a few steps short and they came running back.
Example Sentences for 胆怯 (3)
Frequently Asked Questions about 胆怯
You can say: 他在演讲时感到胆怯 (Tā zài yǎnjiǎng shí gǎndào dǎnqiè) - 'He felt timid during the speech.'
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