tim4 sam1甜心
Jyutpingtim4 sam1
Yaletìhm sām
Definition
Delighted to oblige; happy to comply out of sweetness or goodwill.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
While often used as a direct translation of the English term of endearment, it also functions as an adjective or adverbial phrase to describe someone who is exceptionally agreeable or helpful. It carries a warm, affectionate tone that implies the speaker is happy to be of service. Using it to describe oneself suggests a playful, obliging personality rather than just being polite.
Examples
Buy you a coffee? Sweetheart, no problem!
When you ask me for help, I am always delighted to oblige.
Related words
Common phrases
sweetheart/darling
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of a sweet heart or a sugary snack. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used as a term of address for someone you are close to or as a way to express enthusiasm about doing a favor.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
