bat1 bei1 bat1 kong3不卑不亢
Jyutpingbat1 bei1 bat1 kong3
Yalebāt bēi bāt kong
Definition
Neither self-demeaning nor arrogant; neither humble nor haughty.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom describes a balanced, dignified demeanor that is highly valued in professional and social interactions. It implies a sense of self-respect that prevents one from being a pushover while simultaneously avoiding the trap of being condescending or boastful. It is often used to praise someone who handles high-pressure situations or difficult people with poise.
Examples
He behaved in a neither servile nor overbearing manner when facing his boss.
How can one manage to talk to others in a way that is neither arrogant nor humble?
Related words
Common phrases
an attitude that is neither servile nor overbearing
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
