胆力

• Reading: たんりょく
• Romaji: tanryoku
• Kanji breakdown: 胆 (tan) — gallbladder, courage | 力 (ryoku) — power, strength
• Pronunciation: /tan.ɾjo.kɯ/

Meaning

Courage; nerve; guts; the inner fortitude to remain composed and act decisively under pressure.

A noun that goes beyond ordinary bravery (勇気) to describe the specific quality of keeping one's nerve in high-stakes, pressure-filled situations. Often used to evaluate leaders, warriors, and decision-makers. The character 胆 originally referred to the gallbladder, which classical Chinese medicine associated with courage and boldness.

Examples

1. 危機の瞬間に胆力を発揮できるかどうかが、指導者の真価を示す。 Whether one can demonstrate nerve in a moment of crisis reveals the true worth of a leader.
2. 彼女の胆力には誰もが舌を巻き、困難な交渉でも動じない姿が際立っていた。 Everyone marveled at her courage; her composure in difficult negotiations was truly striking.
3. 胆力のある人物は冷静に状況を読み、大胆かつ的確な決断を下す。 A person with guts calmly reads the situation and makes bold yet precise decisions.

Usage Guide

Context: leadership, military, historical writing, character evaluation

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

Compound of 胆 (tan) meaning 'gallbladder, courage, boldness' — classically associated with bravery — and 力 (ryoku) meaning 'power, strength'. Together they denote the muscular quality of inner nerve.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated