zi1 ci2知恥知耻
Jyutpingzi1 ci2
Yalejī chí
Definition
To have a sense of shame or self-respect.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term carries a strong moral weight and is often used in formal or didactic contexts to critique someone's lack of conscience. It is rarely used in casual small talk unless one is scolding someone for a serious breach of social norms or integrity. The phrase is deeply rooted in Confucian ethics, implying that one should feel internal remorse for improper behavior rather than just fearing external punishment.
Examples
You must have a sense of shame, don't always be so thick-skinned.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with feeling shy or embarrassed, but it is much deeper than that. It refers to a moral compass and the ability to distinguish right from wrong, not just social awkwardness or blushing.
Grammar color guide
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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.
