sik1 sing3識性识性

Jyutpingsik1 sing3

Yalesīk sing

形容詞

Definition

Well-behaved, mature, and sensible, especially of a child or young person growing up.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Focuses on the transition from being a child to a responsible person who understands social nuances. It implies a sense of relief from those who previously had to look after the person. It is frequently used by parents or elders to praise younger people who have finally started to act with consideration for others.

Examples

nei5你go3個zai2仔daai6大go3個zo2咗，zan1真hai6係hou2好sik1識sing3性aa4呀。

Your son has grown up, he is really well-behaved and mature.

keoi5佢ji4而gaa1家sik1識sing3性zo2咗，m4唔wui2會zoi3再lyun6亂gam3咁faat3發pei4脾hei3氣。

He is more mature now and won't throw tantrums anymore.

Common phrases

hou2好sik1識sing3性

very well-behaved and sensible

hoi1開ci2始sik1識sing3性

starting to become mature

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 識字, which means to be literate. Also, note that 識性 is specifically about social maturity and behavior, whereas 聰明 is used for general intelligence or being quick-witted.