cam4 si1沉思
Jyutpingcam4 si1
Yalechàhm sī
Definition
To keep quiet and think deeply; to meditate or ponder.
neutraldaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
This term carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to everyday verbs like諗嘢. It implies a state of intense, quiet reflection that often involves being physically still and withdrawn from social interaction. While it can describe a deliberate practice, it is frequently used to describe someone who has become lost in their own thoughts for an extended period.
Examples
He is sitting there deep in thought, don't disturb him.
Why are you sitting there meditating all by yourself?
Related words
Common phrases
to fall into deep thought
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 諗嘢, which is the standard, neutral way to say 'to think'. Using 沉思 in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or poetic, as if you are describing a philosopher rather than someone just trying to solve a simple problem.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
