haam4 joeng5涵養涵养
Jyutpinghaam4 joeng5
Yalehàahm yéuhng
Definition
Self-restraint, especially the cultivation of mind and body to control and conceal one's emotions.
neutralpeopleemotion
How it's used
Refers to a deep, internal cultivation of character that manifests as composure under pressure. It implies a level of maturity and emotional intelligence that prevents one from reacting impulsively to provocation. While it can be used in casual conversation, it carries a slightly formal or literary weight, often used to praise someone's refined demeanor.
Examples
He is a person of great self-restraint; he doesn't lose his temper even when scolded.
Do you think this person has self-restraint?
Related words
Common phrases
possessing great self-restraint
lacking self-restraint
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general politeness or manners. While related, it specifically highlights the internal ability to suppress or manage negative emotions rather than just following social etiquette.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
