1.
test of courage
An activity, typically done at night, where participants walk through a dark, scary location (such as a graveyard or forest) to test their bravery.
肝試しをする。
To do a test of courage.
夏のキャンプで肝試しをした。
We did a test of courage at summer camp.
友達と夜の墓地で肝試しをしたら、怖くて泣いてしまった。
When I did a test of courage with friends in a graveyard at night, I got so scared that I cried.
CULTURAL NOTES:
肝試し is a classic Japanese summer activity, especially popular at school camps, community events, and among groups of friends. Participants typically walk through a dark area (a forest, abandoned building, or graveyard) where others may be hiding to scare them. It is closely associated with the Japanese summer tradition of telling ghost stories (怪談).
ETYMOLOGY:
From 肝 (liver/courage) + 試し (test). In traditional Japanese thought, the liver was considered the seat of courage.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 肝試しをする: to do a test of courage
- 肝試しに行く: to go on a test of courage
- 夏の肝試し: summer test of courage