haa6 hei3下氣下气
Jyutpinghaa6 hei3
Yalehah hei
Definition
To calm the internal energy in Chinese medicine, or to let one's anger die down.
- technicalto calm the internal energy in Chinese medicine
- to let one's anger die down; to cool off
colloquialemotionhealth
How it's used
Refers to the act of releasing pent-up frustration or physical discomfort associated with heat or anger. It is common to see this used in the reduplicated form 下下氣 to soften the tone and make it sound more like a casual suggestion. The term bridges the gap between traditional Chinese medicine concepts of internal heat and everyday emotional regulation.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal act of passing gas, which is expressed as 放屁. While both involve the movement of internal air, 下氣 is strictly about emotional or medicinal relief.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
