zi6 zyun1 sam1自尊心
Jyutpingzi6 zyun1 sam1
Yalejih jyūn sām
Definition
Self-esteem, self-respect, or pride.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the internal psychological state of maintaining one's dignity and avoiding humiliation. It is frequently used in contexts involving interpersonal conflicts or workplace dynamics where someone feels disrespected or belittled. Unlike the more general concept of pride, this term specifically highlights the vulnerability of one's ego when faced with external criticism.
Examples
The way you are talking really hurts his self-respect.
Everyone has self-respect, so do not look down on others easily.
Related words
Common phrases
to hurt one's self-respect
to have a strong sense of self-respect
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 虛榮心, which refers to vanity or the desire for superficial praise rather than genuine self-respect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
