cou1 sam1粗心
Jyutpingcou1 sam1
Yalechōu sām
Definition
Careless, inattentive, or neglectful.
neutraldescriptionswork
How it's used
While this term is understood in Cantonese, native speakers often prefer using 粗魯 or 唔小心 depending on the specific context of the carelessness. It carries a slightly formal or written tone compared to everyday spoken descriptors like 冒失 or 烏龍. Using it in casual conversation can sometimes sound like you are giving a stern lecture or critique.
Examples
You are so careless when you work, it is very easy to make mistakes.
Related words
Common phrases
careless and inattentive
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 粗魯, which specifically refers to being rough, rude, or lacking refinement in behavior, rather than being inattentive or neglectful in tasks.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
