han2 sam1狠心
Jyutpinghan2 sam1
Yalehán sām
Definition
Cruel, hard-hearted, or ruthless.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes a person who is able to suppress their emotions or empathy to carry out a difficult or cruel action. It often implies a deliberate choice to be cold-blooded rather than just being a naturally mean person. People use it when someone makes a tough decision that hurts others, like breaking up or firing staff.
Examples
How could you be so heartless to abandon him?
When he gets ruthless, it is really terrifying.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 傷心, which means to feel sad or heartbroken. 狠心 is about the act of being cruel or firm, whereas 傷心 is about the internal feeling of sorrow.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
