How to Write 胆 (dǎn) — Meaning “Gallbladder / Courage”

Imagine the gallbladder as a "fleshy bag" (⺼) that is so brave it faces the rising sun (旦) without fear. This connects the form (body organ) to the second meaning (courage). You can also think: the sun on a meat patch reminds you of the sound "dǎn" and the idea of being bold.

Write the left radical ⺼ as a narrow vertical stroke, then a curved horizontal hook from left to right, without making it too wide. The right part 旦 has three horizontal lines; the bottom line should be the longest and slightly straight, not curved. A common mistake is writing the left radical exactly like 月 (moon) instead of the "flesh" form, which is slightly thinner.

All three share the ⺼ (flesh) radical, but their right sides differ: 胆 uses 旦, 肝 uses 干 (gān), and 肠 uses 场 (cháng). In meaning, 肝 means liver and 肠 means intestine, both being physical organs only, while 胆 also carries the abstract meaning of courage or guts. For example, 胆小 (timid) does not relate to the liver or intestines.

胆 appears in common words like 胆子 (courage), 大胆 (bold), and 胆小 (timid). In Chinese culture, the gallbladder is traditionally linked to bravery and decision-making, so describing someone as "small gallbladder" (胆小) means they are easily frightened. This metaphor is widely used in daily conversation, not just in medical contexts.

Common words containing 胆 include: 胆子 (dǎn zi) — Courage / Guts; 胆小 (dǎn xiǎo) — Timid / Cowardly; 大胆 (dà dǎn) — Bold.