min6 bat1 goi2 jung4面不改容
Jyutpingmin6 bat1 goi2 jung4
Yalemihn bāt gói yùhng
Definition
To keep a straight face or remain calm, showing no change in expression or emotion.
neutraldescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of composure where someone shows no outward sign of fear, shock, or guilt. It is frequently used to highlight someone's remarkable mental strength or, conversely, their ability to remain unbothered while doing something questionable. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to everyday descriptions of being calm.
Examples
He remains calm even when facing such great pressure.
How can you tell a lie with such a straight face?
Related words
Common phrases
in a calm manner
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply being expressionless, but it specifically implies maintaining composure under pressure or during a challenging situation. It is not used to describe someone who is naturally stoic or just having a neutral facial expression.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
