肝・胆|きもkimo[2]odaka (tail-high)

1. nounliver; innards
2. nouncourage; spirit; pluck; guts
3. nouncrux; essential point; key

• Synonym肝臓かんぞうNeutralThe formal medical term for the liver as an organ, as in 「肝臓病」; 「肝」 also covers courage and the crux of a matter.
• SynonymレバーNeutralA loanword for liver as food, as in 「レバー刺し」「鶏レバー」; it leans toward the ingredient, not the organ or courage.
• Related心こころNeutralThe mind or heart; it meets 「肝」 only in the sense of one's inner self, never courage.
• Related肝っ玉きもったまCasualColloquial for guts and nerve, as in 「肝っ玉母さん」; often used to praise someone for being bold.
• Related肝玉きもだまCasualColloquial for courage and pluck, but examples are scarce; 「肝っ玉」 is the usual form.
• Antonym末梢まっしょうWrittenA written word for branch tips and minor details; opposite to 「肝」 when it means the crux versus trifles.
• Antonym枝葉えだはWrittenA written word for branches and leaves, i.e. nonessentials; the opposite of 「肝」 as the essential point.

Use 「肝」 for the liver, courage, or the crux of a matter, as in 「肝を冷やす」「肝が据わる」「ここが肝だ」. For the organ say 「肝臓」, for liver as food 「レバー」; 「枝葉」 and 「末梢」 are its opposites.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. （カン、きも）肝臓かんぞう。
2. （きも）広ひろく、内臓ないぞう全体ぜんたい。
3. （きも）精神力せいしんりょく。度胸どきょう。また、精神せいしん。意志いし。