ji4 jin4 zi6 dak1怡然自得
Jyutpingji4 jin4 zi6 dak1
Yaleyìh yìhn jih dāk
Definition
Happy, content, and at peace with oneself.
neutralemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This is a formal idiom that carries a literary tone, often used to describe a state of mind that is peaceful and detached from worldly stress. While it can be used in spoken Cantonese, it is usually reserved for describing someone's lifestyle or demeanor in a slightly reflective or admiring way. It is not a casual term for just being happy, but rather implies a sense of calm self-sufficiency.
Examples
He lives a happy and satisfied life after retirement, which is enviable.
Look at him sitting there drinking tea, how happy and content he looks.
Related words
Common phrases
to live a happy and satisfied life
to have a calm and content expression
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common adjective like 開心, but it is a four-character idiom that sounds quite formal. Using it in a very casual, fast-paced conversation might sound slightly out of place or overly poetic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
