jik1抑
Jyutpingjik1
Yaleyīk
Definition
To restrain, curb, or suppress.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Commonly used in the form 抑住 to describe the physical or mental act of holding something back or suppressing an impulse. While it appears in formal compounds like 抑制, the spoken usage focuses heavily on the active, ongoing effort of containment. It often implies a sense of internal tension or forced composure.
Examples
You need to learn to restrain your temper.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 壓, which is used for physical pressure or weight. While 抑 implies a form of pressure, it is specifically about the act of restraint or keeping something under control rather than the application of force against an object.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
