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

HSK 7-9

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.

HSK 7-9

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