saang1 jan4 m4 sang1 daam2生人唔生膽生人唔生胆

Jyutpingsaang1 jan4 m4 sang1 daam2

Yalesāang yàhn m̀h sāng dáam

Definition

To be extremely timid, cowardly, or easily frightened.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

This idiom literally translates to having a human body but lacking the gallbladder, which in traditional Chinese medicine is considered the seat of courage. It is used specifically to mock someone who appears physically capable or mature but lacks the nerve to face a situation. It carries a slightly teasing or critical tone and is often directed at friends or peers.

Examples

nei5你mai1咪saang1生jan4人m4唔saang1生daam2膽laa1啦，heoi3去gin3見gung1工ze1啫，m4唔sai2使geng1驚㗎。

Don't be such a coward, it's just a job interview, no need to be scared.

keoi5佢ping4平si4時hou2好ci5似hou2好daai6大daam2膽，dim2點zi1知jyun4原loi4來saang1生jan4人m4唔saang1生daam2膽。

He usually acts like he's very brave, but it turns out he's actually quite timid.

Common phrases

zan1真hai6係saang1生jan4人m4唔saang1生daam2膽

really such a coward

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone who is simply cautious or careful. It is reserved for situations where someone is being unnecessarily fearful or cowardly in the face of something trivial.