sam1 gai3心計心计
Jyutpingsam1 gai3
Yalesām gai
Definition
Scheming; calculation; a plan or plot kept deep inside one's heart.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation, implying that someone is manipulative or hides their true intentions behind a facade. It is frequently used to describe people who are perceived as untrustworthy or socially aggressive in a subtle way. Unlike general planning, it specifically refers to strategies aimed at personal gain at the expense of others.
Examples
That person is very scheming, don't trust them.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the neutral concept of planning or being organized. Using it to describe someone who is simply diligent or good at project management will sound like a serious personal insult.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
