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矜持
jīnchí
What does "矜持" mean in English?
reserved她举止矜持，从不轻易表露情感。
She is reserved and never easily shows her emotions.
How to use "矜持" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
Reserved or restrained in manner, often implying dignity or modesty.
他面对记者的提问，表现得非常矜持，不卑不亢。
He responded to the reporter's questions with perfect composure, neither humble nor arrogant.
矜持的态度让她在社交场合显得格外优雅。
Her reserved demeanor makes her appear particularly elegant in social settings.
Often describes someone who maintains a dignified or modest bearing, especially in social or professional contexts.
literary
To cherish or value highly (literary usage).
先贤之道，矜持其志，不为外物所动。
The sages cherished their aspirations and were unmoved by external distractions.
Rare in modern speech; primarily found in classical or literary contexts.
Pro Tip
Cultural Nuance
'矜持' carries a positive connotation in Chinese culture, implying self-control and dignity, unlike the negative 'reserved' in some Western contexts.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Use '矜持' to describe dignified restraint, not shyness or social awkwardness.
Word Origin
From classical Chinese: '矜' (jīn) means 'to cherish' or 'dignified', and '持' (chí) means 'to hold' or 'to maintain'. The compound evolved to describe a dignified or restrained demeanor.
Usage Notes
Used to describe someone who is composed and dignified, often avoiding excessive emotion or familiarity. Common in formal or literary contexts.
Word Breakdown
矜
to cherish; dignified
root持
to hold; to maintain
root汉英词典