sam1 gon1 m4 daap3 fai3心肝唔搭肺
Jyutpingsam1 gon1 m4 daap3 fai3
Yalesām gōn m̀h daap fai
Definition
Indifferent and lacking in emotion; or distracted and absent-minded.
- unfeeling, cold, or lacking in emotion
- distracted, absent-minded, or not paying attention
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Literally translating to heart and liver not touching the lungs, this idiom vividly describes a state of being disconnected or insincere. It is frequently used to criticize someone who is physically present but mentally elsewhere, or someone who is not putting their heart into a task. It carries a slightly stronger sense of being uncaring or dismissive compared to simply being distracted.
Examples
You are absentminded while working, it is easy for accidents to happen.
Related words
Common phrases
to work in an absentminded way
to listen to someone with half an ear
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with being physically ill or having heart problems, as the phrase is strictly used for mental states or attitudes. It is also not interchangeable with being forgetful, as it specifically implies a lack of focus or genuine interest.
Grammar color guide
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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.
