tai2 seot1體恤体恤
Jyutpingtai2 seot1
Yaletái sēut
Definition
To show consideration, empathy, or sympathy for someone's hardships.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Focuses on the empathy one feels toward someone in a lower or more difficult position, often implying a sense of duty or social responsibility. It is frequently used in professional or formal contexts where a superior acknowledges the struggles of their subordinates. Unlike general sympathy, it carries a nuance of taking action or adjusting expectations to alleviate someone's burden.
Examples
The boss needs to show some consideration for the employees' hard work.
Related words
Common phrases
to show concern for the people's livelihood
to show consideration for subordinates
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 體諒, which is more about forgiving someone's mistakes or understanding their reasons for acting a certain way. Use 體恤 when referring to the hardship or suffering of others, whereas 體諒 is better for personal conflicts or misunderstandings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
