man5 gam2敏感
Jyutpingman5 gam2
Yalemáhn gám
Definition
Allergy; an overreaction of the body's immune system to foreign substances.
colloquialhealthdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond medical allergies, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is overly touchy or easily offended by specific topics. When used in this social sense, it often implies that the person is being defensive or thin-skinned about a particular subject.
Examples
My skin had an allergic reaction after I ate seafood.
Are you allergic to anything?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the English word sensitive in the sense of being emotionally perceptive or kind. Using 敏感 to describe a person's personality almost always carries a negative connotation of being difficult or prone to overreacting.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
