Meaning
胆大 literally means 'big gall bladder' and describes someone who is brave, bold, or daring. In Chinese traditional medicine and culture, the gall bladder (胆) is associated with courage and decisiveness. When someone has a 'big gall bladder,' they are fearless and willing to take risks or face challenges that others might avoid.
Usage
胆大 is commonly used to describe both positive bravery and sometimes reckless boldness. It can praise someone's courage or criticize their audacity, depending on context. Often appears in the expression 胆大心细 (bold but careful) to describe the ideal combination of courage and caution. Frequently used with intensifiers like 很 or 真.
Examples
- 01他真胆大，竟然敢一个人去探险。, .He's really bold to dare go exploring alone.
- 02做生意要胆大心细才能成功。.To succeed in business, you need to be bold yet cautious.
Characters
Common collocations
- 胆大妄为recklessly bold, act audaciously
- 胆大心细bold but cautious
- 胆大包天extremely audacious, outrageously bold
- 艺高人胆大skill gives one courage
Antonyms
Origin
The word comes from traditional Chinese medicine's association of the gall bladder organ with courage and bravery. A 'large gall bladder' metaphorically represents having great courage.