Meaning and Usage
The character 肝 primarily refers to the liver, an important organ in the human body. It is commonly used in medical contexts to discuss liver health or function.
Figurative and Idiomatic Uses
Beyond the literal meaning, 肝 appears in idiomatic expressions such as 肝胆相照, which conveys deep loyalty and mutual trust, often used to describe close friendships or partnerships.
Common Collocations
- 肝功能 (gān gōngnéng): liver function, used in medical examinations.
- 猪肝 (zhū gān): pork liver, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine.
- 肝胆相照 (gāndǎn xiāngzhào): to share one's innermost feelings and loyalty.
Usage Notes
When talking about health, 肝 is often paired with 功能 (function) or 检查 (examination). In cooking, it is usually combined with the animal source, like 猪肝 (pork liver) or 鸡肝 (chicken liver). The idiomatic use is more literary and formal, often found in written or formal spoken Chinese.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 肝 with 肚 (dù, stomach) or 胃 (wèi, stomach), which refer to different digestive organs. 肝 specifically means liver and is important in both medical and culinary contexts.