同情心
tung4 cing4 sam1
The English word 'compassion' is translated into Cantonese as 同情心 (tung4 cing4 sam1).
同情心 is a noun used to describe a deep awareness of the suffering of another. The standard term for compassion in Cantonese is 同情.
Meaning: deep awareness of the suffering of another (noun)
Which one should you use?
同情 is the standard term for compassion, whereas 憐憫 emphasizes a deep sense of pity and mercy towards others.
How do you pronounce it?
tung4 cing4 sam1
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, the concept of compassion is often linked to the Buddhist term 慈悲, which specifically refers to the selfless love and mercy of a Bodhisattva.
- In certain traditional contexts, expressing too much 同情心 toward a stranger can be perceived as an overstep of social boundaries or an intrusive act.
- The character 同 in 同情 means 'same' or 'together', suggesting that compassion is the act of feeling the 'same' emotion as another.
Examples in context
- 他對貧困家庭抱有憐憫之心He holds compassion for families living in poverty.
- 佢對當時嘅情況有好大嘅同理心He had great empathy towards the situation at that time.
- 做慈善家需要有同情心。zou6 san4 hei4 gaa1 seoi1 jiu3 jau5 tung4 cing4 sam1.Being a philanthropist requires compassion.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are discussing a news story about a kind stranger.
- 子健 Tsz Kin嗰個陌生人真係好有同情心。go2 go3 sang4 sik1 jan4 zan1 hai6 hou2 jau5 tung4 cing4 sam1.That stranger is truly compassionate.
- 美玲 Mei Ling係呀，佢真係好善良。hai6 aa3, keoi5 zan1 hai6 hou2 sin6 loeng5.Yes, she is very kind.
- 子健 Tsz Kin呢種同情心值得我哋學習。ni1 zung2 tung4 cing4 sam1 zal6 dak6 ngo5 dei6 hok6 zaap6.We should learn from this kind of compassion.
- 美玲 Mei Ling我亦都係咁覺得。ngo5 jik6 dou1 hai6 gam2 gok3 dak1.I feel the same way.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
