When combined, 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) literally translates to “gallbladder-fear,” painting a powerful picture of someone whose source of courage (胆) is overcome by their fearful heart (怯).
Bravery (勇敢, yǒnggǎn) is a highly esteemed virtue in Chinese culture, celebrated in everything from historical epics to modern workplace values. Consequently, being described as 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) often carries a more negative and critical weight than the English word “timid.” It can imply a character flaw or a lack of moral strength, especially in contexts that demand fortitude. A useful comparison is with the Western concept of “introversion.” An introvert might choose not to speak in a meeting because they find social interaction draining. This is seen as a neutral personality type. However, a person who is 胆怯 might want to speak but is paralyzed by the fear of being judged, making a mistake, or facing confrontation. While both result in silence, the underlying reason is different: one is about social energy, while 胆怯 is about a lack of courage. It suggests a weakness that, ideally, should be overcome.
胆怯 (dǎnqiè) is a standard adjective used in a variety of contexts, from describing a child's personality to self-reflection.
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 胆怯 with 害怕 (hàipà) and 害羞 (hàixiū).