Meaning and Usage
"胆小鬼" literally combines "胆" (gallbladder, symbolizing courage), "小" (small), and "鬼" (ghost), forming a vivid term for "coward." It is a somewhat informal and slightly derogatory term used to describe someone who lacks courage or is easily frightened.
Common Contexts
This word is often used in everyday speech to tease or criticize someone for being timid or afraid to take risks. However, it can also be softened by context, implying caution rather than outright cowardice.
Collocations and Patterns
- 胆小鬼 + verb (e.g., 胆小鬼害怕尝试): emphasizes the person's fearfulness in specific actions.
- 别做胆小鬼: a common phrase encouraging someone not to be cowardly.
- 虽然胆小，但...: contrasts cowardice with a positive trait or action.
Nuance and Register
"胆小鬼" is informal and can be playful or insulting depending on tone and relationship. It is less formal than synonyms like "懦夫" (coward) and more vivid due to the ghost imagery.
Common Confusion
Avoid confusing "胆小鬼" with "胆怯," which is an adjective meaning timid or fearful. "胆小鬼" is a noun labeling a person, while "胆怯" describes a characteristic.
Using "胆小鬼" appropriately helps learners express criticism or teasing about fearfulness in a natural, colloquial way.