san6慎
Jyutpingsan6
Yalesahn
Definition
Careful, cautious, and meticulous.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in compound words rather than as a standalone adjective in daily speech. It carries a formal or literary weight that makes it sound serious or professional when used in phrases like 謹慎 or 慎重. Using it in casual conversation often signals a need for deliberate, thoughtful action.
Examples
Be more careful when doing things, don't be so impulsive.
Have you considered it carefully enough?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a standalone verb or adjective, but it rarely appears alone in modern Cantonese. Always pair it with other characters to form a compound word to ensure it sounds natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
