sam1 kap1心噏
Jyutpingsam1 kap1
Yalesām kāp
Definition
Saddened, depressed, or deeply upset by witnessing or learning of an unfortunate or tragic event.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
Captures a specific type of heartache that arises from empathy or witnessing misfortune, rather than personal grief. It implies a heavy, sinking feeling in the chest that is visceral and involuntary. While it describes an emotional state, it is frequently used to comment on external events or the suffering of others.
Examples
Seeing those stray cats in such a pathetic state makes me feel really sad.
After hearing this news, do you feel deeply saddened?
Related words
Common phrases
to feel very saddened
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 傷心, which is a general term for sadness. 心噏 specifically carries the nuance of being pained by someone else's plight or a distressing situation, making it more situational and empathetic.
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.
