saam1 lei5衫裡衫里
Jyutpingsaam1 lei5
Yalesāam léih
Definition
Inside a shirt or jacket.
colloquialclothingbody
How it's used
While 衫裡 is understood, speakers overwhelmingly prefer using 衫入面 or 衫底 to describe the space inside a garment. Using 裡 often sounds slightly more formal or literary than the standard colloquial preference for 入面. It is common to hear people use 衫底 when referring to something tucked against the skin beneath a shirt.
Examples
Common mistake
Learners often use 裡 as a direct translation for inside, but it sounds stiff in casual conversation compared to the ubiquitous 入面. Avoid using it in very informal settings where it might sound like you are reading from a book.
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.
