zi1 sam1知心
Jyutpingzi1 sam1
Yalejī sām
Definition
To understand someone's mind, thoughts, and desires without needing much communication.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Focuses on a deep, intuitive connection that transcends verbal communication. It implies a level of intimacy where one person can anticipate the other's needs or thoughts effortlessly. Unlike simply knowing someone well, this suggests a spiritual or emotional resonance.
Examples
They two understand each other so well, they don't need to speak to understand.
You understand me so well, you must be my best friend.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the common phrase 知心朋友, which functions as a noun phrase meaning a confidant. Using 知心 as a verb requires a subject who possesses this intuitive understanding, rather than just describing a person.
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.
