Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Bold, daring, or having strong nerves: Describes a person who is exceptionally brave, audacious, or fearless, often in the face of danger, risk, or a daunting situation. It implies a hardened or seasoned courage.
   • Impudent or cheeky: In some contexts, it can describe someone who is shamelessly bold or has the nerve to do something inappropriate.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu ấy leo núi một mình, thật già gan. (He climbs mountains alone; he's truly bold.)
  • Tên trộm già gan vẫn quay lại hiện trường. (The impudent thief dared to return to the scene.)
  • Phải già gan lắm mới dám thách thức sếp như vậy. (You have to be very daring to challenge the boss like that.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a connotation of courage that comes from experience or a hardened disposition, not just momentary bravery. It can be used admiringly or critically depending on context.

Variants and Related Words

• Gan dạ (adj): brave, courageous. This is a more standard synonym for bravery.

  • Người lính rất gan dạ. (The soldier is very courageous.)

• To gan (v): to dare, to have the audacity.

  • Nó to gan cãi lại thầy giáo. (He dared to talk back to the teacher.)

Synonyms

• Brave: showing courage.
• Audacious: showing a willingness to take bold risks.
• Daring: adventurous or audaciously bold.
• Impudent: not showing due respect for another person.

Related Idioms

• Gan vàng dạ sắt: (lit. liver of gold, guts of iron) describes someone with an exceptionally strong and fearless spirit.

  • Những nhà thám hiểm cần có gan vàng dạ sắt. (Explorers need to have nerves of steel.)

• Có gan làm, có gan chịu: (lit. if you have the nerve to do it, have the nerve to face the consequences) meaning one must take responsibility for their bold actions.

  • Hắn lừa đảo thì bây giờ có gan làm, có gan chịu đi. (He committed fraud, so now he must have the courage to face the music.)