liver, pluck, nerve, chutzpah
肝 centers on the liver as an organ, and by extension the seat of courage, nerve, or boldness (pluck, chutzpah).
肝 combines the flesh radical ⺼ (body part) with 干, which likely provides the sound カン. The character originally referred to the liver.
The flesh radical ⺼ marks this as a body part, and 干 looks like a shield. Picture the liver as the body's shield, protecting you with its nerve and pluck.
For カン, imagine a can of liver pâté: can -> カン, and the liver inside gives you the courage to try it.
liver; innards
essential; important; crucial; vital; main
liver
hepatitis
guts; pluck; nerve; spirit
extremely important; essential; vital; crucial
cirrhosis (of the liver)
guts; pluck; nerve; spirit
good offices; auspices; sponsorship; help; assistance
fish-liver oil (cod, shark, etc.)
hepatitis A
hepatitis B
hepatitis C
hepatitis D
hepatitis E
monkfish liver; goosefish liver
alcoholic liver disease
viral hepatitis
teetotal day; day off drinking; liver rest day
acute hepatitis