duk6 sin6 kei4 san1獨善其身独善其身
Jyutpingduk6 sin6 kei4 san1
Yaleduhk sihn kèih sān
Definition
To maintain one's own integrity, or to look after oneself and show no concern for others.
- to look after only oneself, showing no concern for others; to be individualistic
- literaryto maintain one's personal integrity and morality in difficult times
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Originally a positive concept from Mencius describing a scholar maintaining moral integrity in chaotic times, the term has shifted to carry a negative connotation in modern usage. It now frequently describes someone who is indifferent to the collective good or avoids responsibility by staying isolated. It is often used to criticize people who prioritize their own comfort over helping others or participating in community efforts.
Examples
He is very selfish at work and only knows how to look out for himself.
In the face of this social issue, can you really still just stay out of it?
Related words
Common phrases
cannot stay out of it
only knows how to look out for oneself
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply being a loner or enjoying solitude. It specifically implies a choice to ignore external problems or social obligations, rather than just a preference for being alone.
Grammar color guide
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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.
