m4 hoi1 sam1唔開心唔开心
Jyutpingm4 hoi1 sam1
Yalem̀h hōi sām
Definition
Unhappy, sad, or in a bad mood.
Example
colloquialemotion
How it's used
Expressing sadness or dissatisfaction in Cantonese often relies on this simple negation rather than specific nouns for emotions. It functions as a versatile adjective that can describe a temporary mood or a more persistent state of mind. Using this phrase is often preferred over more formal or dramatic words when talking about everyday frustrations or minor disappointments.
Examples
Why are you unhappy?
He seems a bit unhappy today.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe clinical depression or severe grief, as it is too casual for those contexts. It is strictly for everyday moods and feelings.
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.
