him1 seon3謙遜谦逊
Jyutpinghim1 seon3
Yalehīm seun
Definition
Modest and humble; not arrogant or self-important.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
While 謙遜 is a valid adjective in Cantonese, it carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the everyday term 謙虛. It is frequently used in professional settings, written reports, or when describing someone's character in a respectful manner. In casual daily speech, people are much more likely to use 謙虛 to describe someone who is humble.
Examples
He is a modest person and never boasts about himself.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 謙遜 with 卑微, but they are very different. 謙遜 describes a positive, respectful attitude of modesty, whereas 卑微 implies a sense of low status, insignificance, or being servile.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
