胆小

• Pinyin: dǎn xiǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 胆 (courage) + 小 (small)

Meaning

Timid; cowardly; easily frightened. Having a small amount of courage.

A common colloquial term describing someone who is easily scared or lacks courage. Often used with 鬼 (胆小鬼 - coward) as a mild insult. Can describe personality traits or momentary states of fear.

Examples

1. 小时候我特别胆小，晚上都不敢一个人睡觉。 When I was young, I was especially timid and didn't dare sleep alone at night.
2. 别那么胆小，这只是一部恐怖电影而已。 Don't be so scared — it's just a horror movie.
3. 他看起来很强壮，其实是个胆小鬼。 He looks very strong, but he's actually a coward.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, personality, teasing

Tone: colloquial

Do Say

• 你怎么这么胆小？(Why are you so timid?)
• 他从小就胆小。(He's been timid since childhood.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合说别人'胆小'可能冒犯——可以用'谨慎'或'小心'来委婉表达 (Calling someone 胆小 in formal situations can be offensive — use 谨慎 or 小心 for a gentler expression)

Origin & History

Compound of 胆 (gallbladder/courage) + 小 (small), literally meaning having little courage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal