dam2 sam1 hau2抌心口
Jyutpingdam2 sam1 hau2
Yaledám sām háu
Definition
To feel deep regret, or to blackmail someone.
- slangto feel very regretful or remorseful about what one has done
- slangto blackmail or extort someone
colloquialemotionslang
How it's used
The phrase literally describes the action of beating one's own chest in frustration or sorrow. It is almost exclusively used to express intense personal regret over a missed opportunity or a past mistake. While it can theoretically imply extortion in specific contexts, its primary and most common usage is centered on self-inflicted emotional pain.
Examples
Thinking back to that mistake, I really feel so regretful.
You did the wrong thing, feeling regretful now is useless.
Related words
Common phrases
it is useless to regret it now
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical chest pain, which is usually described as 心口痛. Using 抌心口 to describe a medical condition will cause confusion as it specifically refers to the emotional act of beating one's chest in remorse.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
