ding6 sing3定性
Jyutpingding6 sing3
Yaledihng sing
Definition
Steady, calm, and prudent in personality.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the transition from a restless or immature state to one of composure and reliability. It is frequently used by parents or teachers to describe children or teenagers who have finally stopped acting out or being hyperactive. The term implies a positive maturation process rather than just being quiet by nature.
Examples
When will you finally be able to settle down and be steady?
He was very mischievous when he was young, but he became much more steady-headed as he grew up.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 定性, which often refers to 'characterizing' or 'determining the nature of' something in a legal or scientific context. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used to describe a person's temperament.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
