san6 jin4慎言

Jyutpingsan6 jin4

Yalesahn yìhn

動詞

Definition

To be careful with one's words or speech.

neutralcommunicationwork

How it's used

This term carries a formal and slightly cautionary tone, often used to advise someone to avoid gossip or unnecessary trouble. It is rarely used in casual, intimate settings among close friends, where people would instead use phrases like 講嘢小心啲. It implies a sense of wisdom and self control in professional or public environments.

Examples

喺hai2公gung1司si1做zou6嘢je5要jiu3慎san6言jin4呀。

You need to be careful with your words when working at the office.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知dim2點gaai2解keoi5佢gam3咁san6慎jin4言？

Do you know why he is so careful with what he says?

Common phrases

cyu5處si6事san6慎jin4言

to be cautious in both actions and words

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common everyday verb, but it is actually quite formal and can sound stiff or overly serious in casual conversation. Using it with family or close friends might make you sound like you are giving a lecture or acting superior.