haau3 sam1孝心
Jyutpinghaau3 sam1
Yalehaau sām
Definition
Filial piety; a child's desire to show love, care, and gratitude toward their parents.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
Focuses on the internal intention or sentiment rather than just the outward act of obedience. It is frequently used to praise someone for small, thoughtful gestures that show they have their parents' well-being in mind. While rooted in traditional values, it is commonly applied to modern scenarios like remembering birthdays or helping with household chores.
Measure word
pin2片pínExamples
You are really showing your filial love by buying this gift for Mom.
keoi5佢ping4平si4時gam3咁mong4忙dou1都cau1抽si4時gaan3間pui4陪uk1屋kei2企jan4人，syun3算hai6係jau5有haau3孝sam1心㗎gaa2喇。
He still makes time for his family despite being so busy; that counts as being filial.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 孝順, which is an adjective describing the act of being obedient or dutiful. 孝心 is a noun representing the feeling or heart behind the action, so you would say someone has 孝心 rather than saying someone is 孝心.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
