1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “胆” (pronounced “tan”) primarily means “gallbladder” or “courage.” It is often associated with the idea of bravery or boldness, reflecting the notion of having the “guts” to face challenges.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “胆” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “meat” (肉) on the left, which relates to the physical aspect of the gallbladder, and the phonetic component “胆” (pronounced “tan”) on the right, which provides the sound.
Radical: The radical for “胆” is 肉 (niku), which means “meat” or “flesh.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to the body or physical aspects.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 胆力 (たんりょく, tanryoku) – courage, bravery
- 胆石 (たんせき, tanseki) – gallstone
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は胆力がある人です。 (かれはたんりょくがあるひとです。) – He is a person of great courage.
- 胆石ができてしまった。 (たんせきができてしまった。) – I have developed a gallstone.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 勇気 (ゆうき, yūki) – courage, bravery; while “胆” emphasizes the physical aspect, “勇気” focuses more on the mental aspect of courage.
Antonyms:
- 臆病 (おくびょう, okubyō) – cowardice; this term represents the opposite of courage.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “胆” is often associated with the idea of having the guts to take risks or face fears. It reflects a value placed on bravery and resilience.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 胆を据える (たんをすえる, tan o sueru) – to have the courage to face something; this idiom emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude.