HSK 4
敢 V
gǎn V
to dare to V
Structure
Subject + 敢 (+ 不/没) + Verb Phrase
How it works
The word '敢' (gǎn) is an auxiliary verb used to express the courage or audacity to do something. It functions similarly to 'can' or 'should' and is placed directly before the main verb or verb phrase.
Examples
为了减肥，他不敢吃太多甜点。
Wèile jiǎnféi, tā bù gǎn chī tài duō tiándiǎn.
In order to lose weight, he doesn't dare to eat too many desserts.
你敢一个人去森林里露营吗？
Nǐ gǎn yīgè rén qù sēnlín lǐ lùyíng ma?
Do you dare to go camping in the forest alone?
虽然天黑了，但我什么都敢做。
Suīrán tiān hēi le, dàn wǒ shénme dōu gǎn zuò.
Although it is dark, I dare to do anything.
Common mistakes
Students often try to use '敢' as a main verb on its own (e.g., '我敢你'), but it must be followed by a verb or understood in context.
Tip
To say 'I don't dare to,' always use '不敢'. To ask 'Do you dare?', you can use '你敢不敢...?' which is a common Affirmative-Negative question pattern.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 敢 V in real Chinese
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