sam1 ling5心領心领

Jyutpingsam1 ling5

Yalesām líhng

語句Uncommon

Definition

An expression used to politely decline an offer or gesture; thanks but no thanks.

colloquialcommunicationemotion

How it's used

This phrase functions as a polite buffer to soften a refusal, effectively saying that you acknowledge the gesture even if you cannot accept the outcome. It is commonly used when someone offers help, gifts, or invitations that you wish to turn down without sounding ungrateful or rude. It carries a slightly formal or respectful tone, making it appropriate for professional settings or when speaking to someone you do not know very well.

Examples

do1多ze6謝nei5你gam3咁hou2好ji3意，bat1不gwo3過ngo5我sam1心ling5領laa3喇。

Thanks for your kindness, but I'll have to decline.

nei5你sung3送le1呢fan2份lai5禮mat6物ngo5我sam1心ling5領laa3喇，nei5你lau4留faan1返zi6自gei2己jung6用laa1啦。

I appreciate the gift, but I cannot accept it; you should keep it for yourself.

Common phrases

do1多ze6謝sam1心ling5領

thanks but no thanks

hou2好ji3意sam1心ling5領

appreciate the kind gesture but decline

Common mistake

Avoid using this with close friends or family, as it can sound overly distant or stiff. It is intended to maintain social harmony when rejecting an offer, so using it in an informal context might make you seem like you are creating an unnecessary barrier.