na-adjective, noun
timidity; cowardice; faint-heartedness
Describes a person's character as timid or easily frightened. Often used in literary or slightly formal contexts. The adjectival noun form 小胆な is common.
彼は小胆な性格で、新しいことに挑戦するのを怖がる。
He has a timid personality and is afraid to try new things.
小胆な人はリーダーには向かないと言われることも
It is sometimes said that timid people are not suited to be leaders.
Composed of 小 (small) and 胆 (gallbladder, courage). The combination suggests 'small courage', i.e., timidity. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from the kanji.