ok3 sam1惡心恶心
Jyutpingok3 sam1
Yaleok sām
Definition
Bad habit or vice.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to a persistent, annoying, or negative personal habit rather than a moral failing or a crime. It is frequently used in casual settings to critique someone's repetitive behavior that others find irritating or difficult to tolerate. Unlike the Mandarin usage, which often implies nausea or disgust, the Cantonese sense focuses on behavioral patterns.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin meaning of feeling nauseous or disgusted. In Cantonese, if you want to express that something is physically repulsive or gross, use 嘔心 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adverb
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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.
