tou4 je5陶冶
Jyutpingtou4 je5
Yaletòuh yéh
Definition
To cultivate one's mind, shape one's temperament, or exert a favorable influence on someone's character.
writtenpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Literary and formal in tone, this term is rarely used in casual, everyday speech unless discussing hobbies or personal growth. It carries a sense of refinement and long term development rather than a quick fix. You will most often encounter it in written essays or when someone is explaining the deeper value of an artistic pursuit.
Examples
He loves listening to classical music, saying it can cultivate his temperament.
Reading more books can really cultivate your soul.
Related words
Common phrases
to cultivate one's temperament
to nourish the soul
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb like 培養, but it is much more specific to character and spirit. Using it for simple tasks like learning a skill or growing a plant sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
