koeng4 sam1 zam1強心針强心针
Jyutpingkoeng4 sam1 zam1
Yalekèuhng sām jām
Definition
Cardiac stimulant injection; also used figuratively to mean a boost of morale or reassurance.
- cardiac stimulant; cardiotonic injection
- figurativea boost of morale; reassurance; mental encouragement
colloquialhealthemotion
How it's used
Beyond its literal medical use, this term is frequently used in business and social contexts to describe any news or event that restores morale or provides a sudden surge of motivation. It carries a sense of urgency and necessity, implying that the recipient was previously in a state of doubt, fear, or low energy. It is a very common metaphor for a 'shot in the arm' or a 'morale booster'.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
He got a boost of confidence and felt refreshed immediately.
This good news is truly a huge boost for us.
Related words
Common phrases
to give a boost of confidence
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a literal medical injection unless you are specifically referring to a cardiac stimulant, as it might cause confusion in a clinical setting.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
