sam1 si6 cung4 cung4心事重重
Jyutpingsam1 si6 cung4 cung4
Yalesām sih chùhng chùhng
Definition
Laden with anxiety or having a mind weighed down by worries.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe someone who appears visibly preoccupied or burdened by internal thoughts. It is often paired with the particle 咁 to describe the manner in which someone is acting or appearing. Unlike simply feeling sad, it specifically implies that the person is deep in thought about a problem or worry.
Examples
He looks so worried today, did something happen?
Related words
Common phrases
looking very worried
appears to be preoccupied
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective, but it functions as an idiomatic phrase describing a state of mind. Avoid using it to describe a person who is just quiet or shy, as it specifically carries the connotation of being troubled by heavy thoughts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
