hei3 ding6 san4 haan4氣定神閒气定神闲
Jyutpinghei3 ding6 san4 haan4
Yalehei dihng sàhn hàahn
Definition
Calm, relaxed, and composed
neutraldescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of being completely unruffled and self-possessed in the face of pressure or chaos. It implies a high level of inner confidence and mental stability rather than just physical relaxation. While it is a formal four-character idiom, it is frequently used in casual speech to describe someone who handles stressful situations with grace.
Examples
He remained composed even when facing the crisis.
How can you just sit there so calmly?
Related words
Common phrases
in a composed manner
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being lazy or slow. It specifically denotes a state of mental clarity and composure during a difficult or urgent situation, whereas words like 懶散 describe a lack of motivation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
