sam1 ziu3心照
Jyutpingsam1 ziu3
Yalesām jiu
Definition
To understand each other or a situation tacitly without needing explicit explanation.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term implies a shared secret or a deep level of mutual familiarity where explicit communication is redundant. It carries a sense of camaraderie, suggesting that the parties involved are on the same wavelength. It is often used to dismiss the need for further explanation when a situation is already obvious to everyone present.
Examples
We all understand each other, no need to say it out loud.
You know it, I know it, we have a tacit understanding.
Related words
Common phrases
we all understand each other
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal or professional settings, as it implies a level of personal intimacy or conspiratorial agreement that is inappropriate for business or public discourse.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
