tim4 zing6恬靜恬静
Jyutpingtim4 zing6
Yaletìhm jihng
Definition
Quiet and serene, describing someone who is peaceful and quiet, and speaks very little.
writtendescriptionspeople
How it's used
Literary and formal in tone, this word is rarely used in casual, everyday speech to describe someone's personality. It carries an elegant, almost poetic nuance that suggests a graceful or peaceful disposition rather than just being shy or introverted. When describing someone who is simply quiet or reserved in daily life, speakers almost always prefer using 靜 or 內向 instead.
Examples
She has a very serene personality and usually doesn't say much.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe a noisy environment or a loud person, as it specifically refers to a calm, gentle, and composed temperament. Using it in a casual setting might make you sound like you are reading from a novel or a formal essay.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
