sam1 zung1心中
Jyutpingsam1 zung1
Yalesām jūng
Definition
In one's heart, mind, thoughts, or feelings.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
Often used to describe unspoken feelings or hidden intentions that someone is not ready to voice. It carries a sense of quiet understanding or internal burden, frequently appearing in contexts where people choose to keep their true thoughts private. Unlike the more literal heart organ, this refers specifically to the mental or emotional space where one processes personal sentiments.
Examples
Whatever is bothering him, he keeps it all to himself.
nei5你deoi3對keoi5佢jau5有me1咩ji3意gin3見，bat1不jyu4如zik6直zip3接gong2講ceot1出lai4嚟，m4唔hou2好fong3放喺hai2心sam1中zung1呀。
If you have any opinions about him, just say it directly instead of keeping it in your heart.
Related words
Common phrases
to keep something in one's heart
to keep something in mind
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with the Mandarin usage which can be more abstract or literary. In Cantonese, it is more common to use 心入面 for everyday physical or mental location, while 心中 often carries a slightly more reflective or heavy emotional weight.
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.
