tam3𠱁
Jyutpingtam3
Yaletam
Definition
To coax, soothe, or pacify someone; to cheat, fool, or lure.
- to coax, soothe, or pacify someone who is angry or upset
- to fool, cheat, or lure
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This word is highly versatile, covering the spectrum from playful deception to genuine emotional comfort. It is most frequently used when talking about calming down children or pets, but it also carries a slightly cynical nuance when used between adults to imply someone is being manipulative or insincere.
Examples
Don't think you can fool me with a few sweet words.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 呃, which specifically means to lie or swindle someone. While 𠱁 can involve deception, it often implies a softer, more interpersonal motive like soothing or coaxing, whereas 呃 is almost always negative.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
