sam1 oi3心愛心爱
Jyutpingsam1 oi3
Yalesām oi
Definition
Beloved or favourite, representing a strong affection for a person or an object.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Unlike the English word beloved which often carries a formal or poetic weight,心愛 is used quite naturally in daily life for both people and inanimate objects. It functions as a modifier and almost always requires the particle 嘅 to connect to the noun it describes. It implies a sense of personal attachment or sentimental value rather than just a simple preference.
Examples
Did your beloved come today?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 鍾意, but 心愛 carries a much stronger emotional weight and is less about casual liking. You would use 鍾意 for things like food or hobbies, whereas 心愛 is reserved for things or people you hold dear to your heart.
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.
