Definition
壮胆 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to embolden' or 'to bolster one's courage'. The verb 壮 ('to strengthen') and the noun 胆 ('gallbladder/courage') can split when a complement or measure word is inserted, as in 壮了壮胆 ('took a bit of courage') or 壮一下胆 ('boost one's courage for a moment'). It's commonly used when someone needs encouragement before doing something intimidating.
v.o.
to emboldento bolster one's courage
Examples
- 壮胆。Tā hē le jǐ kǒu jiǔ lái zhuàng dǎn.He drank a few mouthfuls of wine to bolster his courage.
- ，。Shàng tái qián, wǒ shēn shēn de xī le yì kǒu qì zhuàng le zhuàng dǎn.Before going on stage, I took a deep breath to embolden myself.
- ，。Nǐ péi wǒ yìqǐ qù ba, gěi wǒ zhuàng zhuàng dǎn.Come with me — give me some courage.
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