gung1 sam1攻心
Jyutpinggung1 sam1
Yalegūng sām
Definition
To make a psychological attack, attempt to demoralize, or persuade an offender to confess.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Used primarily in contexts involving negotiation, interrogation, or strategic social interaction. It implies a calculated effort to undermine someone's confidence or resolve rather than just simple persuasion. The term is often associated with the idiom 攻心為上, emphasizing that winning over someone's mind is superior to physical confrontation.
Examples
He wants to use words to break me down so I admit my mistake.
This negotiation is a psychological battle.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical attacks or literal heart-related medical conditions. It is strictly a metaphorical term for psychological maneuvering.
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.
