cyun3 sam1寸心
Jyutpingcyun3 sam1
Yalechyun sām
Definition
A small token of my feelings; a mere proof of my regard.
writtenemotionother
How it's used
Used primarily when presenting a gift or favor to express humility and sincerity. It functions as a polite way to downplay the material value of a gesture while emphasizing the emotional intent behind it. It is considered a literary or formal expression that appears more often in written notes or polite speech than in casual daily conversation.
Examples
This gift is just a small token of my regard, please accept it.
It is just a small token of my feelings, I hope you do not mind.
Related words
Common phrases
a small token of my regard
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of inches or measurement, as the character 寸 here refers to the heart or mind rather than physical distance. It is not used to describe actual physical size.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
