sam1 cong4 bat1 lou6深藏不露
Jyutpingsam1 cong4 bat1 lou6
Yalesām chòhng bāt louh
Definition
To hide one's talents or strengths; to keep a low profile.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes someone who possesses great talent or knowledge but chooses not to display it publicly. It carries a sense of respect for someone who is humble and avoids showing off until the moment is right. Unlike simply being shy, this implies a deliberate choice to keep one's abilities under wraps.
Examples
I didn't expect him to be so modest; he turns out to be a master.
You usually keep your skills hidden, are you finally willing to show them off today?
Related words
Common mistake
Often confused with being shy or lacking confidence, but it specifically requires the person to have actual, hidden talent. It is not used for someone who is simply quiet or introverted.
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.
