Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Timid / Faint-hearted: Lacking courage, bravery, or daring; easily frightened or hesitant to take risks. Describes a person's character or a specific reaction due to fear.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nó không dám đi một mình vì non gan. (He doesn't dare go alone because he is timid.)
  • Đừng non gan, hãy mạnh dạn lên! (Don't be faint-hearted, be bold!)
  • Cô ấy non gan nên không dám phát biểu. (She is timid so she doesn't dare speak up.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in exhortations or criticisms to encourage someone to be braver.
• It can describe a temporary state of cowardice in a specific situation, not necessarily a permanent personality trait.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhát gan (adj): Synonymous with "non gan," meaning cowardly, easily scared.

  • Đứa trẻ nhát gan sợ bóng tối. (The cowardly child is afraid of the dark.)

• Hèn nhát (adj): More strongly pejorative, meaning cowardly, ignoble.

  • Kẻ hèn nhát không dám đối mặt sự thật. (The cowardly person doesn't dare face the truth.)

Synonyms

• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence.
• Faint-hearted: Lacking conviction or boldness; cowardly.
• Cowardly: Lacking courage in a disgraceful way.

Related Idioms

• Non gan non thận: An extended idiom emphasizing a general lack of courage and resolve (literally "timid liver and timid kidneys").
  • Làm việc lớn không được non gan non thận. (When doing big things, one must not be timid and irresolute.)