him1 him1 gwan1 zi2謙謙君子谦谦君子

Jyutpinghim1 him1 gwan1 zi2

Yalehīm hīm gwān jí

Definition

A modest, self-disciplined gentleman.

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How it's used

Originating from the I Ching, this idiom describes a person who is not only humble but also possesses high moral integrity and self-restraint. It is often used to praise someone who remains calm and polite even in difficult situations. While it sounds formal, it is sometimes used ironically to tease someone who is being overly polite or acting unnaturally reserved.

Examples

keoi5佢ping4平si4時hou2好him1謙him1謙gwan1君zi2子，dim2點wui2會gong2講cou1粗hau2口aa1呀？

He is usually such a modest gentleman, how could he possibly use foul language?

soeng2想zou6做go3個him1謙him1謙gwan1君zi2子，zau6就jiu3要hok6學sik1識dim2點joeng2樣hung3控zai3制cing4情seoi5緒。

If you want to be a modest gentleman, you have to learn how to control your emotions.

Common phrases

wan1溫man4文ji5爾ngaa5雅

gentle and cultivated

him1謙him1謙gwan1君zi2子，bei1卑ji5以zi6自muk6牧

a modest gentleman keeps himself humble

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone who is simply shy or quiet, as the term specifically implies an active choice of moral character and self-discipline rather than a lack of confidence.