si1 suk1思縮思缩
Jyutpingsi1 suk1
Yalesī sūk
Definition
Timid, shy, shrinking, or socially awkward and flustered.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This term specifically describes a personality trait characterized by a lack of confidence or a tendency to shrink away from social interaction. It carries a slightly critical tone, implying that the person is unnecessarily inhibited or awkward in situations where they should be more outgoing. It is distinct from 怕醜, which is a more neutral or even endearing way to describe someone who is simply shy or bashful.
Examples
He is very timid and never dares to speak up.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 怕醜, but 思縮 implies a more negative, stagnant quality of being stuck in one's shell, whereas 怕醜 is often used to describe a temporary state or a cute personality trait.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
