zi6 ci4自持

Jyutpingzi6 ci4

Yalejih chìh

Definition

To control oneself, or to restrain oneself.

neutralpeopleemotion

How it's used

Focuses on the internal ability to maintain emotional stability or composure during stressful situations. It implies a sense of dignity and self-discipline that prevents one from acting out or losing control. While it sounds slightly more formal than everyday slang, it is perfectly natural in serious conversation or when discussing personal character.

Examples

keoi5佢jyu6遇dou3到gam3咁daai6大gin6件si6事dou1都zung6仲ho2可ji5以zi6自ci4持。

Even after such a big incident, he can still keep his composure.

zou6做jan4人jiu3要sik1識dak1得zi6自ci4持，m4唔hou2好gam3咁jung4容ji6易faat3發fo2火。

You need to know how to restrain yourself and not get angry so easily.

Common phrases

bou2保ci4持zi6自ci4持

maintain self-control

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 忍耐, which specifically refers to the act of enduring or tolerating hardship. 自持 is more about maintaining one's own internal balance and outward decorum rather than just putting up with external pressure.