果敢 (guǒ gǎn) — courageous and resolute

Definition

A written, formal adjective meaning 'courageous and resolute' — describes decisive action under pressure. Pairs naturally with 的 nouns like 决定, 行动, 领导人.

adjective
courageous and resolute

Examples

  • 果敢。
    Tā zài wēi jí shí kè zuò chū le guǒ gǎn de jué dìng.
    He made a courageous and resolute decision in a critical moment.
  • 果敢。
    guǒ gǎn De lǐng dǎo rén cái néng dài lǐng guó jiā zǒu chū kùn jìng.
    Only courageous and resolute leaders can lead the country out of difficulties.
  • 果敢，。
    Zhè cì xíng dòng bì xū guǒ gǎn, bù néng yóu yù.
    This operation must be courageous and resolute — no hesitation allowed.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

果guǒresolute
敢gǎndaring

“果” conveys decisiveness and “敢” conveys daring, together meaning resolute courage.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

果 originally drew fruits hanging on a tree.

Open 果 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The old form showed a hand using a tool to hunt a wild boar. Later the tool was dropped and another mark was added, and the shape changed into 敢.

Open 敢 →

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