sam1 han2心狠
Jyutpingsam1 han2
Yalesām hán
Definition
Cruel, merciless, or hard-hearted.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Describes a person who is capable of inflicting harm or ignoring others' suffering without hesitation. It carries a strong moral judgment and is often used when someone acts against their own family or friends. Unlike more general terms for bad behavior, it specifically highlights a lack of empathy or a cold-blooded nature.
Examples
He is truly a cruel person.
Related words
Common phrases
cruel and merciless
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply strict or demanding, as it implies a deeper, more malicious lack of conscience. It is a heavy accusation rather than a casual criticism of someone's work style.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
