lok6 ji4 bat1 jam4樂而不淫乐而不淫
Jyutpinglok6 ji4 bat1 jam4
Yalelohk yìh bāt yàhm
Definition
Joyful without being wanton, excessive, or obscene.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Originating from the Analects, this idiom describes a state of happiness that remains balanced and avoids indulgence. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to praise someone for maintaining self-control while enjoying themselves. In modern daily life, it serves as a sophisticated way to advise others against excess when celebrating or relaxing.
Examples
They had fun without going overboard, which is really rare.
Related words
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.
