jyu1 sam1 bat1 jan2於心不忍于心不忍
Jyutpingjyu1 sam1 bat1 jan2
Yaleyū sām bāt yán
Definition
To feel soft-hearted; unable to bear seeing someone suffer.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
Carries a slightly more formal or literary weight compared to the everyday 唔忍心. It is often used to describe a moral conflict where one feels a sense of pity or guilt that prevents them from taking a harsh action. While it appears in daily speech, it is frequently used to justify a decision to show mercy or leniency.
Examples
Seeing him in such a miserable state, I really cannot bear it.
Why are you still feeling soft-hearted about this?
Related words
Common phrases
forgive out of pity
to feel unable to bear the sight of suffering
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective, but it functions more like a verb phrase describing a state of mind. Avoid using it to describe physical pain; it is strictly reserved for emotional distress or moral hesitation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
