san6 zung6慎重

Jyutpingsan6 zung6

Yalesahn juhng

形容詞Uncommon

Definition

Prudent, careful, cautious, and serious.

neutraldescriptionswork

How it's used

慎重 carries a formal or serious tone, often used in professional settings or when discussing significant life decisions. While it shares the meaning of being careful, it emphasizes the gravity of the process rather than just the act of being alert or attentive. It is frequently paired with verbs related to decision making or planning to highlight a deliberate, measured approach.

Examples

le1呢gin2件si6事hou2好zung6重jiu3要，nei5你jiu3要san6慎zung6重haau2考leoi6慮aa4呀。

This matter is very important, you need to think it over carefully.

keoi5佢zou6做je5嘢jat1一hoeng3向dou1都hou2好san6慎zung6重，m4唔sai2使daam1擔sam1心。

He has always been very cautious in his work, no need to worry.

Common phrases

san6慎zung6重haau2考leoi6慮

to consider carefully

san6慎zung6重cyu5處lei5理

to handle with care

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 小心, but 小心 is much broader and can apply to physical safety or minor daily tasks. Using 慎重 to tell someone to watch their step on a wet floor would sound unnatural and overly formal.