heoi1 waai4 joek6 guk1虛懷若谷虚怀若谷

Jyutpingheoi1 waai4 joek6 guk1

Yalehēui wàaih yeuhk gūk

形容詞

Definition

Modest and open-minded; having a mind as receptive as a valley.

writtenpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom is a formal expression often used in professional or academic contexts to praise someone's character. While it is perfectly understood in speech, it carries a slightly literary weight that makes it sound more sophisticated than simply saying someone is好謙虛. It implies a deliberate choice to set aside one's ego to make space for the wisdom of others.

Examples

keoi5佢fan6份jan4人hou2好heoi1虛waai4懷joek6若guk1谷，seng4成jat6日man6問jan4人ji3意gin3見。

He is very modest and always asks for others' opinions.

nei5你hok6學haa5下heoi1虛waai4懷joek6若guk1谷laa1啦，m4唔hou2好gam3咁gu3固zap1執。

Try to be more modest and open-minded, don't be so stubborn.

Common phrases

bou2保ci4持heoi1虛waai4懷joek6若guk1谷

to remain modest and open-minded

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a general term for being shy or quiet, but it specifically refers to the active willingness to accept advice and criticism. It is not a synonym for being introverted or lacking confidence.