Meanings of 胆小鬼
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Podcast: 胆小鬼
Podcast: 胆小鬼
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AI Study Notes for 胆小鬼
胆怯 (dǎnqiè) - use 胆小鬼 for a more derogatory tone, while 胆怯 is more neutral.
Imagine a ghost (鬼, gui3) that is so scared that it hides behind a large, soft pillow (胆, dan3). The '胆' component suggests a connection to courage, as it relates to one's guts or bravery, while '小' indicates smallness or weakness, helping you remember a cowardly ghost.
When using 胆小鬼, it is generally informal and can be considered slightly derogatory, so be cautious in formal settings. Common collocations include '不要做胆小鬼' (don't be a coward). A common mistake is using it in serious contexts where a more respectful term would be appropriate.
As a Level 5 HSK word, 胆小鬼 helps learners connect with other words related to emotions and personality traits. Students should focus on understanding the nuances of bravery and cowardice in different contexts.
In Chinese culture, being called a 胆小鬼 can be quite insulting, often used among friends to tease each other. It reflects the value placed on courage and determination, especially in competitive situations.
Learners often confuse 胆小鬼 with simply '胆小' (dǎn xiǎo), which means timid but does not carry the same ghostly imagery or colloquial tone. Ensure you use 胆小鬼 for a more vivid expression of cowardice.
Pronunciation of 胆小鬼
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 胆小鬼
胆小鬼 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
我怕黑，是个十足的____。
I'm scared of the dark. I'm a big chicken.
Example Sentences for 胆小鬼 (3)
Cultural Notes for 胆小鬼
In Chinese culture, being called a 胆小鬼 can be quite insulting, often used among friends to tease each other. It reflects the value placed on courage and determination, especially in competitive situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 胆小鬼
While you can use 胆小鬼 humorously, be aware that it carries a negative connotation and may not be well-received.