分心
fan1 sam1
To distract in Cantonese is to say 分心 (fan1 sam1).
The term 分心 is most commonly used to describe a person's internal state of being distracted rather than an external force actively distracting them.
Meaning: To divert the attention of (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 分 (divide/split) and 心 (heart/mind/soul), literally meaning 'divide heart/mind'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of southern China, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, 分心 is commonly used as a synonym for 'distract'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that someone has already become distracted, you can add the aspect marker 咗 (zo2) after the verb to form 分咗心 (became distracted).
How do you pronounce it?
fan1 sam1
Did you know?
- While 分心 describes a loss of focus, Cantonese speakers often use the phrase 走神 (zau2 san4), literally meaning 'the spirit has left', to describe a more complete state of zoning out.
- In Cantonese culture, the 'heart' 心 is viewed as the center of both emotion and intellect, which is why 'distraction' is described as physically splitting the heart.
- The word for 'distract' uses the same root for 'divide' as the word used for 'sharing' or 'dividing a bill' (分).
Examples in context
- 音樂會令我分心。jam1 ngok3 wui6 ling6 ngo5 fan1 sam1.The music makes me lose focus.
- 佢個電話令佢分心。keoi5 go3 din6 waa2 ling6 keoi5 fan1 sam1.His phone distracts him.
Example conversation
In a library, 志強 is trying to study while 雅婷 is making noise.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting志強，你喺度做緊咩呀？zi3 koeng4, nei5 hai2 dou6 zou6 gan2 me1 aa3?Zi Keung, what are you doing?
- 志強 Chi Keung我想溫書，但係你太嘈，令我分心。ngo5 soeng2 wan1 syu1, daan6 hai6 nei5 taai3 cou4, ling6 ngo5 fan1 sam1.I want to study, but you are too noisy and distract me.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting對唔住，我會細聲啲。deoi3 m4 zyu6, ngo5 wui5 sai3 sing1 di1.Sorry, I will be quieter.
- 志強 Chi Keung唔緊要，唔該晒。m4 gan2 jiu3, m4 goi1 saai3.It's okay, thank you.
