sam1 ai3心翳

Jyutpingsam1 ai3

Yalesām ai

Definition

To feel a heavy or pressing sensation in the chest or heart.

colloquialhealthemotion

How it's used

Describes a physical sensation of chest tightness or pressure often linked to anxiety, stress, or grief. It functions as both a literal medical complaint and a metaphorical expression for emotional distress or heartache. Unlike simple sadness, it carries a visceral, somatic quality that suggests the person is physically burdened by their feelings.

Examples

zeoi3最gan6近seng4成jat6日gok3覺dak1得sam1心ngai3翳，hai6係mai6咪jiu3要tai2睇ji1醫sang1生aa4呀？

I have been feeling a tightness in my chest lately, should I see a doctor?

gin3見dou2到keoi5佢gam3咁joeng2樣，ngo5我go3個sam1心dou1都gok3覺dak1得hou2好sam1心ai3翳。

Seeing them like this makes me feel a heavy, suffocating sensation in my heart.

Common phrases

gok3覺dak1得sam1心ngai3翳

to feel a tightness in the chest

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with heart pain or sharp stabbing sensations, which are usually described as 心痛. It specifically refers to a heavy, dull, or suffocating pressure rather than acute physical injury.