boost courage; embolden; buck up
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to boost one's courage; to embolden; to buck up
Can take the -儿 suffix (erhua). Often used with 给 (for whom) or 着 (continuous aspect). Frequently used with alcohol or peer support as the courage-boosting factor.
Tā他
hē喝
le了
diǎn点
jiǔ酒
zhuàng壮
dǎn胆
，
cái才
gǎn敢
shàng上
qù去
biǎo表
bái白
。
He drank a bit of alcohol to bolster his courage before he dared to go confess his feelings.
Nǐ你
péi陪
wǒ我
yī一
qǐ起
qù去
，
bāng帮
wǒ我
zhuàng壮
zhuàng壮
dǎn胆
r儿
。
Come with me and help me buck up my courage.
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Tā他
zhuàng壮
zhe着
dǎn胆
zi子
tuī推
kāi开
le了
nà那
shàn扇
shén神
mì秘
de的
mén门
。
He worked up the courage to push open that mysterious door.
Rén人
duō多
shì势
zhòng众
，
zhèng正
hǎo好
gěi给
zì自
jǐ己
zhuàng壮
dǎn胆
。
There is safety in numbers, which is perfect for giving yourself courage.