jam1陰阴
Jyutpingjam1
Yaleyām
Definition
To trick, trap, or deceive someone into making a mistake.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Describes a subtle, underhanded, or sneaky way of causing someone to fail or suffer a loss. It implies a lack of transparency, often catching the victim off guard rather than through a direct confrontation. It is frequently used in the context of exams, games, or workplace politics where someone sets a hidden obstacle.
Examples
He always likes to play tricks on people, be careful.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 呃, which specifically means to lie or swindle someone out of money or trust. While 呃 involves deception, 陰 focuses on the act of setting a trap or creating a situation where someone will inevitably make a mistake.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.



