nhát gan

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The Vietnamese word "nhát gan" translates to "chicken-hearted" or "weak-hearted" in English. It describes someone who is timid, fearful, or lacks courage. If someone is referred to as "nhát gan," it means they tend to avoid risky situations or challenges because they are afraid.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "nhát gan" to describe a person’s character or behavior, especially when they are hesitant to take action due to fear.
• It is often used in informal conversations and can be applied to various situations, such as facing fears, taking risks, or trying new things.

Example:

• "Cậu ấy nhát gan, không dám bơi qua sông."
  • Translation: "He is too chicken-hearted to swim across the river."

Advanced Usage:

• You can use "nhát gan" in a more figurative sense to describe someone who avoids confrontation or difficult conversations.
• For instance, you might say, "Bạn ấy luôn nhát gan khi phải nói chuyện với sếp." (Translation: "She is always chicken-hearted when it comes to talking to the boss.")

Word Variants:

• "Nhát": This part means "timid" or "shy."
• "Gan": This part means "liver," but in Vietnamese culture, it is often associated with courage or bravery (as the liver is believed to be the seat of courage).

Different Meanings:

While "nhát gan" primarily refers to being cowardly or timid, it can also be used more lightly to describe someone who is simply cautious, not necessarily in a negative context.

Synonyms:

• "Hèn nhát": Another term for cowardly or timid.
• "Sợ hãi": Means "afraid" or "fearful," though this is broader and does not emphasize a lack of courage specifically.

Academic

1. Chicken-hearted, weak -hearted
   • Nhát gan không dám bơi qua sông
     To be too weak-hearted to swim across the river