冇安全感
mou5 on1 cyun4 gam2
The English word 'insecure' can be translated into Cantonese as 冇安全感 (mou5 on1 cyun4 gam2).
冇安全感 is most commonly used to describe emotional insecurity in relationships or a lack of self-confidence, rather than physical insecurity (like a shaky ladder).
Meaning: not comfortable in certain situations (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 冇安全感 is composed of 冇 (mou5) meaning 'to not have', 安全 (on1 cyun4) meaning 'safety/security' and 感 (gam2) meaning 'feeling/sense'.
Which one should you use?
While 冇安全感 refers to a psychological sense of insecurity, 唔安全 (m4 on1 cyun4) is used to describe a physical lack of safety or security in a location. Additionally, the term 感情不穩定 can be used to express the insecurity of a romantic relationship, meaning 'relationship instability'.
How do you pronounce it?
mou5 on1 cyun4 gam2
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, the feeling of 'security' (安全感) is often discussed as something that can be 'given' (畀) or 'provided' by another person, treated almost like a tangible gift.
- In Hong Kong pop culture and song lyrics, 冇安全感 is frequently used to describe the specific anxiety of fearing a partner will suddenly stop loving them, even without a clear reason.
- When describing a lack of confidence in one's own abilities, speakers may skip 冇安全感 and use 唔自信 (m4 zi6 seon3), highlighting a cultural distinction between emotional insecurity and lack of self-belief.
Examples in context
- 佢喺陌生環境覺得冇安全感。keoi5 hai2 mak6 sang4 waan4 ging2 gok3 dak1 mou5 on3 coen4 gam2.She feels insecure in unfamiliar environments.
- 喺呢個地方，我總係覺得冇安全感。hai2 nei1 go3 dei6 fong1, ngo5 zung2 si6 gok3 dak1 mou5 on3 coen4 gam2.I always feel insecure in this place.
- 因為冇安全感，佢唔敢一個人去。jan1 wai6 mou5 on3 coen4 gam2, keoi5 m4 gam2 jat1 go3 jan4 heoi3.Because she feels insecure, she doesn't dare to go alone.
Example conversation
曉彤 and 家明 are walking through a dark park at night.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung家明，我喺呢度覺得冇安全感。gaa1 ming4, ngo5 hai2 nei1 dou6 gok3 dak1 mou5 on3 coen4 gam2.Ka Ming, I feel insecure in this place.
- 家明 Ka Ming唔緊要，我會陪住你。m4 gan2 jiu3, ngo5 wui5 pui4 zyu6 nei5.It's okay, I will stay with you.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung多謝你咁樣安慰我。do1 ze6 nei5 gam2 joeng2 on1 wai3 ngo5.Thank you for comforting me like this.
- 家明 Ka Ming你唔使驚，我喺度。nei5 m4 sai2 ging1, ngo5 hai2 dou6.You don't need to be afraid, I'm here.
