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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'timidity' with 胆怯 (dǎnqiè)

    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 胆怯

    Explanation

    The verb/adjective 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) means "timid," "cowardly," or "to feel fear" and describes a lack of courage when facing difficulty or danger. It combines 胆 (gallbladder, which metaphorically represents courage in Chinese) and 怯 (timid). It is often used in narrative contexts to describe a character's emotional state.

    Examples

    • 他站在台上有点胆怯，声音都在发抖。

      Tā zhàn zài tái shàng yǒudiǎn dǎnqiè, shēngyīn dōu zài fādǒu.

      He was a bit timid on stage, and his voice was trembling.

    • 别胆怯，大胆地说出你的想法。

      Bié dǎnqiè, dàdǎn de shuō chū nǐ de xiǎngfǎ.

      Don't be timid — boldly speak your mind.

    • 小时候我很胆怯，不敢跟陌生人说话。

      Xiǎoshíhou wǒ hěn dǎnqiè, bù gǎn gēn mòshēngrén shuōhuà.

      When I was little, I was very timid and didn't dare talk to strangers.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'timidity' with 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) | Chinese Grammar