kei5 ngaang6企硬
Jyutpingkei5 ngaang6
Yalekéih ngaahng
Definition
To stand firm on one's stance or conditions without making any concessions.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Originating from the literal image of standing rigidly, this phrase is frequently used in negotiations, workplace disputes, or interpersonal conflicts where one party refuses to compromise. It carries a sense of stubbornness or resolve that is stronger than simply saying no. It is common to hear it used when someone is holding their ground against pressure from others.
Examples
The boss is standing firm and won't lower the price, what will you do?
No matter how he begs, I must stand firm.
Related words
Common phrases
to hold one's ground
to stubbornly refuse
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical standing. While it contains the character for stand, it is strictly used for metaphorical stances and positions, not for the physical act of standing up, which is simply 企.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
