cim4 ji4 mak6 faa3潛移默化潜移默化
Jyutpingcim4 ji4 mak6 faa3
Yalechìhm yìh mahk fa
Definition
To be gradually and imperceptibly influenced by one's environment or external factors.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes a process of character or mindset development that happens so slowly and naturally that the person involved is often unaware of the shift. It is frequently used in discussions about upbringing, media influence, or the impact of one's social circle. Unlike sudden changes, this term specifically highlights the power of long term, subtle exposure.
Examples
He read these kinds of books since he was small, and they gradually influenced his personality.
nei5你gok3覺dak1得le1呢zung2種gaau3教juk6育fong1方sik1式，wui2會m4唔wui2會cim4潛ji4移mak6默faa3化goi2改bin3變siu2小pang4朋jau5友？
Do you think this style of education will gradually change the children without them noticing?
Related words
Common phrases
subtle, gradual influence
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple synonym for change, but it specifically requires the element of being unconscious or gradual. It is not used for intentional or immediate changes in behavior.
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.
