dǎnxiǎoguǐ: 胆小鬼 - Coward, Scaredy-cat

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• Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of 胆小鬼 (dǎnxiǎoguǐ), a common Chinese word for “coward” or “scaredy-cat.” This page breaks down the characters 胆 (courage), 小 (small), and 鬼 (person/ghost suffix) to reveal its literal meaning. Discover how it's used playfully among friends and children, as well as how it can be a serious insult in different cultural contexts. With 10 practical example sentences, this is the ultimate guide for beginners to master this essential HSK 4 noun.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dǎnxiǎoguǐ
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A person who is timid and lacks courage; a coward or a scaredy-cat.
• In a Nutshell: 胆小鬼 is a vivid and slightly informal term used to label someone as a coward. It literally translates to “small-gallbladder-ghost.” In Chinese culture, the gallbladder (胆) is considered the source of courage, so having a “small” one means you're timid. The 鬼 suffix is often used to label a type of person, sometimes playfully, sometimes negatively. It's a word you'll hear on the playground, among friends, and in family arguments.

• 胆 (dǎn): This character means “gallbladder.” In Traditional Chinese Medicine and culture, the gallbladder is believed to be the organ responsible for courage and decisiveness. Therefore, concepts of bravery are directly linked to this character. For example, `胆大 (dàndà)` means “bold” (literally “big gallbladder”).
• 小 (xiǎo): This simply means “small,” “little,” or “timid.”
• 鬼 (guǐ): This character's primary meaning is “ghost” or “demon.” However, when used as a suffix attached to a noun or adjective, it becomes a colloquial and often derogatory label for a person with that characteristic. For example, `酒鬼 (jiǔguǐ)` is a “drunkard,” and `懒鬼 (lǎnguǐ)` is a “lazybones.”

The characters combine logically: `胆 (dǎn)` + `小 (xiǎo)` creates the adjective `胆小 (dǎnxiǎo)`, meaning “timid.” Adding the suffix `鬼 (guǐ)` turns the description into a noun, a label for “a timid person” — a 胆小鬼.

In Chinese culture, bravery and courage (`勇气, yǒngqì`) are highly valued traits, historically associated with heroes, warriors, and righteous individuals. To be called a 胆小鬼 can be a direct challenge to one's character, especially for men, as it implies a lack of integrity and resolve. A key difference from the English “coward” lies in the term's physiological metaphor. The connection to the gallbladder (胆) is a uniquely Chinese cultural concept. While an English speaker might say someone “has no guts,” the Chinese expression is more specific: someone “has a small gallbladder” (`胆子小, dǎnzi xiǎo`). Compared to the American/Western “scaredy-cat,” 胆小鬼 shares a similar playful, childish connotation. However, 胆小鬼 can “scale up” in severity much more than “scaredy-cat.” While you would rarely hear an adult seriously call another adult a “scaredy-cat” in an argument, calling someone a 胆小鬼 can be a genuine and potent insult, depending on the tone and context.

The connotation of 胆小鬼 is highly dependent on the context and the relationship between the speakers.

• Playful Teasing: This is the most common usage, especially among children, friends, or romantic partners. It's used to coax someone into doing something they are hesitant about, like riding a roller coaster or trying a new food. In this case, it's lighthearted and not a serious attack on their character.
• Mild Rebuke: A parent might call their child a 胆小鬼 for being afraid of the dark or refusing to go to the doctor. The tone is one of mild frustration or encouragement, not genuine insult.
• Serious Insult: In a heated argument or conflict, calling someone a 胆小鬼 is a grave insult. It accuses them of being spineless, unable to stand up for themselves or others, or unwilling to take responsibility.

• Example 1:
  • 别当胆小鬼，这个过山车一点儿也不可怕！
  • Pinyin: Bié dāng dǎnxiǎoguǐ, zhège guòshānchē yīdiǎnr yě bù kěpà!
  • English: Don't be a scaredy-cat, this roller coaster isn't scary at all!
  • Analysis: A classic example of playful encouragement between friends. The tone is light and meant to coax someone into being brave.
• Example 2:
  • 你连跟老板提加薪都不敢，真是个胆小鬼。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ lián gēn lǎobǎn tí jiāxīn dōu bù gǎn, zhēnshi ge dǎnxiǎoguǐ.
  • English: You don't even dare to ask the boss for a raise, you're really a coward.
  • Analysis: Here, the connotation is more critical and expresses disappointment in a friend's lack of assertiveness.
• Example 3:
  • 他看到虫子就尖叫，大家都笑他是个胆小鬼。
  • Pinyin: Tā kàndào chóngzi jiù jiānjiào, dàjiā dōu xiào tā shì ge dǎnxiǎoguǐ.
  • English: He screams whenever he sees a bug, so everyone laughs at him for being a scaredy-cat.
  • Analysis: This describes a common, slightly embarrassing situation. The term is used to label someone based on their easily frightened nature.
• Example 4:
  • 我不是胆小鬼，我只是觉得这么做太危险了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ búshì dǎnxiǎoguǐ, wǒ zhǐshì juéde zhème zuò tài wēixiǎn le.
  • English: I'm not a coward, I just think doing this is too dangerous.
  • Analysis: A common way to defend oneself against the accusation, distinguishing between cowardice and reasonable caution.
• Example 5:
  • 那个士兵在战场上逃跑了，被人们称为胆小鬼。
  • Pinyin: Nàge shìbīng zài zhànchǎng shàng táopǎo le, bèi rénmen chēngwéi dǎnxiǎoguǐ.
  • English: That soldier ran away on the battlefield and was called a coward.
  • Analysis: This shows the term used in its most serious and condemnatory sense, implying a failure of duty.
• Example 6:
  • 你敢不敢一个人看恐怖电影？谁不敢谁是胆小鬼！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ gǎn bu gǎn yíge rén kàn kǒngbù diànyǐng? Shéi bù gǎn shéi shì dǎnxiǎoguǐ!
  • English: Do you dare to watch a horror movie alone? Whoever doesn't dare is a scaredy-cat!
  • Analysis: A typical dare or challenge among young people, using the term as a wager on bravery.
• Example 7:
  • 小明晚上不敢自己上厕所，他姐姐总是叫他“胆小鬼”。
  • Pinyin: Xiǎo Míng wǎnshang bù gǎn zìjǐ shàng cèsuǒ, tā jiějie zǒngshì jiào tā “dǎnxiǎoguǐ”.
  • English: Xiao Ming doesn't dare go to the bathroom by himself at night, his older sister always calls him a “scaredy-cat”.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates a very common and innocent usage within a family context.
• Example 8:
  • 面对不公正，我们不能当胆小鬼，要勇敢地站出来。
  • Pinyin: Miànduì bù gōngzhèng, wǒmen bùnéng dāng dǎnxiǎoguǐ, yào yǒnggǎn de zhàn chūlái.
  • English: In the face of injustice, we cannot be cowards; we must stand up bravely.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the term in a moral or ethical context, contrasting cowardice with social responsibility.
• Example 9:
  • A: 这件事你为什么不告诉老师？ (Nǐ wèishéme bù gàosù lǎoshī?) - Why didn't you tell the teacher about this?
  • B: 我怕他报复我… (Wǒ pà tā bàofù wǒ…) - I'm afraid he'll retaliate…
  • A: 你这个胆小鬼！ (Nǐ zhège dǎnxiǎoguǐ!) - You coward!
  • Analysis: A short dialogue showing the word used as a direct, frustrated accusation.
• Example 10:
  • 以前我很胆小，但现在我不想再做胆小鬼了。
  • Pinyin: Yǐqián wǒ hěn dǎnxiǎo, dàn xiànzài wǒ bùxiǎng zài zuò dǎnxiǎoguǐ le.
  • English: I used to be very timid, but now I don't want to be a coward anymore.
  • Analysis: Shows self-reflection and the desire for personal growth, using the term to label one's past self.

• Adjective vs. Noun: A very common mistake for learners is to confuse the adjective `胆小 (dǎnxiǎo)` (timid) with the noun `胆小鬼 (dǎnxiǎoguǐ)` (a timid person/coward).
  • Correct: 他很胆小。 (Tā hěn dǎnxiǎo.) - He is very timid.
  • Incorrect: 他很胆小鬼。
  • Correct: 他是(一个)胆小鬼。 (Tā shì (yíge) dǎnxiǎoguǐ.) - He is a coward.
  • Incorrect: 他是胆小。
• Formality: `胆小鬼` is an informal word. Never use it in a formal speech, business meeting, or academic paper. For a more formal, literary, or serious term, use `懦夫 (nuòfū)`.
• False Friend Alert: While `胆小鬼` can mean “coward,” it's often lighter than the English equivalent. “Coward” in English can imply a deep moral failing, especially in military or life-or-death situations. `胆小鬼` is frequently used in contexts where “scaredy-cat” would be more appropriate. Always judge the severity by the tone and situation.

• 胆小 (dǎnxiǎo) - The adjective form, meaning “timid” or “cowardly.” `胆小鬼` is a person who is `胆小`.
• 胆大 (dǎndà) - The direct antonym, meaning “bold,” “brave,” or “daring.” (Literally “big gallbladder”).
• 懦夫 (nuòfū) - A more formal and serious synonym for “coward.” This word carries more weight and is less likely to be used playfully.
• 勇气 (yǒngqì) - The noun for “courage” or “bravery.” The quality that a `胆小鬼` lacks.
• 害怕 (hàipà) - The common verb meaning “to be scared” or “to fear.” A `胆小鬼` is someone who is often `害怕`.
• 胆子 (dǎnzi) - A colloquial noun for “nerve” or “guts.” You can say someone's `胆子大` (guts are big) or `胆子小` (guts are small).
• 酒鬼 (jiǔguǐ) - “Drunkard.” An example of the `-鬼` suffix used to label someone addicted to something (in this case, alcohol).
• 懒鬼 (lǎnguǐ) - “Lazybones.” Another example of the `-鬼` suffix used to describe a person's negative trait (laziness).