gam2 nou6 bat1 gam2 jin4敢怒不敢言
Jyutpinggam2 nou6 bat1 gam2 jin4
Yalegám nouh bāt gám yìhn
Definition
To feel extremely angry but not dare to speak out.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of suppressed indignation where external pressure or fear of consequences prevents someone from voicing their true feelings. It is often used in professional or hierarchical settings where speaking out against a superior or a group consensus could lead to retaliation. Unlike simply being quiet, it specifically emphasizes the internal conflict between intense anger and the lack of courage to express it.
Examples
The boss scolded people like that, but everyone was too afraid to speak up.
You have suffered so much injustice, why do you still hold it in?
Related words
Common phrases
the whole room was angry but silent
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply shy or lacks an opinion. It specifically requires the presence of strong, suppressed anger or resentment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
