lei5 sing3理性

Jyutpinglei5 sing3

Yaleléih sing

形容詞Common

Definition

Rational and reasonable; using facts and logic rather than emotion to think.

neutraldescriptionsemotion

How it's used

Focusing on the ability to detach oneself from personal feelings, this term is often used to praise someone for maintaining a cool head during a crisis. It frequently appears in professional or academic contexts to describe a balanced, logical approach to complex situations. Unlike the Mandarin usage which can feel quite formal, Cantonese speakers use it to contrast with being impulsive or overly emotional.

Examples

cyu5處lei5理man6問tai4題jiu3要lei5理sing3性di1啲，m4唔hou2好gam3咁cung1衝dung6動。

You should be more rational when handling problems, don't be so impulsive.

keoi5佢zou6做kyut3決ding6定hou2好lei5理sing3性，cung4從loi4來m4唔wui2會gam2感cing4情jung6用si6事。

He is very rational when making decisions, he never lets emotions dictate his actions.

Common phrases

lei5理sing3性fan1分sik1析

rational analysis

lei5理sing3性tou2討leon6論

rational discussion

Common mistake

Avoid using this to mean simply being smart or clever. It specifically refers to the process of reasoning and logic, rather than general intelligence or quick-wittedness.