gǎn
dare
The Chinese word '敢' is very similar to the English word 'dare' in usage. It implies a sense of willingness to take on challenges or perform an action that requires courage. Just like in English, it can be used in various contexts, either for positive encouragement or in situations that involve risk. However, while 'dare' can also be used to form a question to challenge someone in English, '敢' is not usually used in that way in Chinese.
nǐ gǎn bù gǎn kāi kuài yī diǎn?
Do you dare to drive a little faster?
Here, someone is suggesting or encouraging another person to drive faster, expressing a feeling of urgency or impatience.
tā gǎn shuō, gǎn zuò.
He dares to speak and act.
This expression is used to describe someone who is straightforward and not afraid to take actions.
wǒ gǎn dǎ dǔ tā huì chéng gōng de.
I dare to bet that he will succeed.
This sentence expresses strong confidence in someone’s success, to the point of being willing to bet on it.
nǐ gǎn bù gǎn gēn wǒ qù pá shān?
Do you dare to go mountain climbing with me?
The speaker is challenging the listener to go mountain climbing together with him/her.
nǐ gǎn bǎo zhèng nǐ bú zài chí dào ma?
Do you dare guarantee that you will not be late again?
None
wǒ gǎn kěn dìng tā huì lái de.
I dare to assert that he will come.
The speaker is expressing a high level of confidence that a certain event (the person coming) will happen.
tā gǎn zài dà tíng guǎng zhòng zhī xià chàng gē.
She dares to sing in front of a large crowd.
This phrase highlights the courage and confidence needed to perform in a public setting.
nǐ gǎn tiǎo zhàn zhè ge jì lù ma?
Do you dare to challenge this record?
This sentence poses a daring challenge to break a pre-established record, suggesting a context of competition or skill-testing.
tā de yǒng qì zhēn dà, gǎn gēn lǎo shī duì kàng.
His courage is great, he dares to confront the teacher.
This phrase comments on someone’s bravery in standing up against a figure of authority, in this case, a teacher.
tā gǎn yú chéng rèn zì jǐ de cuò wù.
He dares to admit his mistakes.
This statement appreciates and recognizes someone’s courage to admit their own mistakes.