gong1 jau4 soeng1 zai3剛柔相濟刚柔相济
Jyutpinggong1 jau4 soeng1 zai3
Yalegōng yàuh sēung jai
Definition
To combine toughness and gentleness; to strike a balance between strength and flexibility.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
This idiom describes a sophisticated approach to management or interpersonal relationships where one alternates between strictness and flexibility. It is often used in professional or formal contexts to praise someone for their emotional intelligence and leadership style. Unlike simply being indecisive, it implies a deliberate strategy to achieve the best outcome.
Examples
You need to balance toughness and gentleness to handle this matter.
He has always been very balanced in his approach to people and affairs.
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
