jau1 joeng5 sang1 sik1休養生息休养生息
Jyutpingjau1 joeng5 sang1 sik1
Yaleyāu yéuhng sāng sīk
Definition
To rest, recover, and recuperate one's strength or vitality.
neutralhealthwork
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of strategic withdrawal or a period of inactivity intended to build up strength for future challenges. It is often used in business or organizational contexts to describe a phase of consolidation after a period of intense activity or crisis. Unlike simple rest, it implies a deliberate effort to restore resources or morale.
Examples
He has been sick for so long, it is time for him to recuperate.
After the company layoffs, it needs to recover before it can develop further.
Related words
Common phrases
a phase of recuperation
need to recuperate
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say 'take a break' or 'sleep', but it carries a much more formal and heavy tone than standard phrases like 休息 or 抖下. It is rarely used to describe a short nap or a weekend off.
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.
