wai4 wan2維穩维稳
Jyutpingwai4 wan2
Yalewàih wán
Definition
To maintain stability, especially of a political regime, and consolidate its rule.
colloquialother
How it's used
Originally a bureaucratic term for maintaining political order, this word has evolved into a common sarcastic label for any heavy handed or performative measure taken by authorities to suppress dissent. It often carries a cynical undertone when used in casual conversation, implying that the actions taken are more about protecting the status quo than solving actual problems.
Examples
They spend a lot of money on stability maintenance.
The social atmosphere is so tense lately, how can they maintain stability?
Related words
Common phrases
stability maintenance costs
stability maintenance work
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe general stability in non political contexts, such as the stability of a table or the price of goods, as it specifically refers to political or regime control.
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.
