ci4慈
Jyutpingci4
Yalechìh
Definition
Compassionate, kind, and caring; showing mercy and benevolence.
neutralpeopleemotion
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in compound words rather than as a standalone adjective in modern spoken Cantonese. It carries a formal or literary weight, often associated with Buddhist concepts or traditional moral values. When describing someone as kind in everyday speech, native speakers prefer using adjectives like 好人 or 善良.
Examples
He is a very kind and gentle person, always smiling.
One should be compassionate and not be so calculating.
Related words
Common phrases
kind and gentle (usually describing an elder)
merciful and compassionate
Common mistake
Do not attempt to use it as a standalone adjective to describe a person, as it will sound unnatural or archaic. It must be paired with other characters to form a complete word, such as 慈祥 or 仁慈.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
