sam1 leoi5心裏心里
Jyutpingsam1 leoi5
Yalesām léuih
Definition
In one's heart, mind, or thoughts; kept inside and not necessarily expressed.
colloquialemotionbody
How it's used
Native speakers overwhelmingly prefer the spoken form 心入面 over the more formal 心裏. While 心裏 is understood, it sounds slightly literary or written, whereas 心入面 fits naturally into casual conversation. Using 心入面 helps maintain the authentic rhythm of Cantonese speech.
Examples
He is actually very unhappy at heart.
Related words
Common phrases
to know something deep down
to feel uneasy or upset
Common mistake
Learners often use 心裏 as a direct translation of 'in the heart' without realizing it sounds stiff or bookish. Always opt for 心入面 when speaking to friends or family to avoid sounding like you are reading from a textbook.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
