ham1憨
Jyutpingham1
Yalehām
Definition
Silly, foolish, or simpleminded.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often carries a nuanced sense of being endearingly naive or simple-minded rather than purely unintelligent. When used as 憨居, it shifts towards a more colloquial, slightly derogatory label for someone acting foolish or clueless. It frequently appears in descriptions of people who are straightforward and lacking in guile.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is clinically stupid, as it often implies a lack of social awareness or a guileless nature instead. It is not a direct translation for the English word silly in all contexts, especially when referring to playful behavior.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
