noun HSK 5
Traditional 膽量
dǎn liàng
courage · guts · nerve · daring

Meaning

胆量 refers to the quality of having courage or bravery, especially when facing difficult, risky, or frightening situations. It emphasizes the mental strength and boldness needed to do something that others might fear. The word literally combines '胆' (gallbladder/courage) and '量' (capacity/amount), suggesting one's capacity for bravery.

Usage

This word is commonly used to describe someone's level of courage or daring, often in contexts where physical or social risk is involved. It can be used in both positive contexts (praising someone's bravery) and neutral assessments of whether someone has enough nerve to do something. Often appears in phrases like '有胆量' (to have the guts) or '没胆量' (to lack the nerve).

Examples

  1. 01
    你有胆量一个人去那个地方吗?
    yǒu dǎn liàng rén nàge dìfāng ma?
    Do you have the guts to go to that place alone?
  2. 02
    创业需要很大的胆量和决心。
    Chuàngyè xūyào hěn de dǎn liàng juéxīn.
    Starting a business requires great courage and determination.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 胆量
    yǒu dǎn liàng
    to have guts/courage
  • 胆量
    méi dǎn liàng
    to lack courage
  • 胆量过人
    dǎn liàng guò rén
    exceptionally courageous
  • 考验胆量
    kǎo yàn dǎn liàng
    to test one's courage

Antonyms

Origin

In traditional Chinese medicine and culture, the gallbladder (胆) was believed to be the seat of courage and decision-making. Adding '量' (capacity) creates a noun that measures one's capacity for bravery.

Related