wui6 sam1會心会心
Jyutpingwui6 sam1
Yalewuih sām
Definition
Knowing; understanding without needing words.
writtenemotioncommunication
How it's used
This term describes a silent, mutual understanding between people who share a secret or a common perspective. It is almost exclusively used in formal or literary contexts, often appearing in written descriptions of facial expressions or body language. While it functions as an adverb, it is rarely used in casual daily speech to describe simple comprehension.
Examples
The two of them exchanged a knowing glance.
Do you understand why I gave a knowing smile?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 明白 or 識，but those words imply basic understanding or knowledge. 会心 specifically requires a shared, unspoken context or a hidden joke that only the involved parties grasp.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
