sai3 sam1細心细心
Jyutpingsai3 sam1
Yalesai sām
Definition
Meticulous, careful, and attentive to detail.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes a positive personality trait where someone is observant and thoughtful, often going beyond what is expected. It is frequently used to praise someone for noticing small things that others might overlook, such as remembering a preference or handling a task with extra care. Unlike simply being careful, it implies a level of emotional intelligence and genuine concern for the outcome or the person involved.
Examples
He is very meticulous at work and has never made a mistake.
Can you be more attentive to the people around you?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is just cautious or afraid of making mistakes, as that is better expressed by 謹慎. Being 細心 is a proactive, positive quality, whereas being overly cautious can sometimes imply hesitation or anxiety.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
