矜持

jīnchí

adjective #21,972

Meanings

1 reserved
2 restrained
3 composed and aloof
4 prim

Characters

to be proud / self-important / solemn

to hold / to maintain

Examples

她总是表现得很矜持，不轻易流露感情。

Tā zǒngshì biǎoxiàn de hěn jīnchí, bù qīngyì liúlù gǎnqíng.

She always appears very reserved and doesn't easily show her feelings.

初次见面时，她表现得有些矜持。

Chūcì jiànmiàn shí, tā biǎoxiàn de yǒuxiē jīnchí.

When they first met, she seemed a little aloof.

Tips

usage

矜持 usually carries a positive or neutral connotation — suggesting dignified self-restraint rather than coldness. It is more commonly used of women in traditional contexts, but applies broadly. Contrast with 冷漠 (cold, indifferent), which is negative.

Stroke Order

矜 jīn

持 chí