saam1 sam1 loeng5 ji3三心兩意三心两意
Jyutpingsaam1 sam1 loeng5 ji3
Yalesāam sām léuhng yi
Definition
Indecisive, hesitant, or unable to make up one's mind.
- indecisive; in two minds; wanting multiple things at once
- figurativehalf-hearted; inconstant; unfaithful in a relationship
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of mental wavering rather than a lack of intelligence. It is frequently used to describe someone who cannot commit to a decision, whether it involves shopping, career choices, or romantic partners. It carries a slightly critical tone, implying that the person needs to focus and make a firm choice.
Examples
Don't be so indecisive when you work.
Which job should I choose? I'm really in two minds.
Related words
Common phrases
to be indecisive in one's actions
to be unfaithful or fickle in a relationship
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 左右為難, but the latter specifically refers to being caught in a dilemma where any choice leads to a difficult outcome, whereas 三心兩意 focuses on the person's own inability to settle on a preference.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
