sam1 heoi1心虛心虚
Jyutpingsam1 heoi1
Yalesām hēui
Definition
Having a guilty conscience; afraid of being found out after doing something wrong.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the internal anxiety caused by hiding a secret or wrongdoing. It describes the state of being afraid that one's true actions or intentions will be exposed to others. Use this when someone acts suspiciously or avoids eye contact after doing something questionable.
Examples
Why are you speaking so softly? Are you feeling guilty?
He felt guilty the moment he saw the police and immediately turned around to leave.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being nervous or shy. It carries a specific connotation of moral culpability or having something to hide, whereas being nervous is a general reaction to pressure or social situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
