Meanings of 小气
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About 小气
Podcast: 小气
Podcast: 小气
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AI Study Notes for 小气
小气 (stingy) vs 吝啬 (lìnsè, miserly) — use 小气 for a more casual tone or when referring to petty behaviors, while 吝啬 conveys a stronger sense of extreme stinginess.
小气 is typically used in informal contexts and can carry a negative connotation, so be mindful of your tone when using it. Common collocations include '小气的人' (a stingy person) and '小气的行为' (stingy behavior). Avoid confusing it with its other meanings; context is crucial for clarity.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 小气 connects with other adjectives describing personality traits. Focus on using it in conversations about relationships and social interactions, which will enhance your understanding of social dynamics in Chinese culture.
Learners often confuse 小气 with related terms like 吝啬 (lìn sè), which also means 'stingy' but is more formal. For example, saying '我觉得他很吝啬' (I think he is very stingy) would be less common; using 小气 is more natural in casual conversation.
Pronunciation of 小气
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Component Characters
How to say stingy in Chinese
“stingy” in Chinese is小气
小气 (xiǎo qì) refers to someone who is stingy or miserly, unwilling to spend money or share with others. It can also describe a person who is narrow-minded or petty in their attitudes and behaviors, often focusing on trivial matters rather than being generous or open-minded.
When to use 小气
小气 is typically used in informal contexts and can carry a negative connotation, so be mindful of your tone when using it. Common collocations include '小气的人' (a stingy person) and '小气的行为' (stingy behavior). Avoid confusing it with its other meanings; context is crucial for clarity.
小气 or something close to it
小气 (stingy) vs 吝啬 (lìnsè, miserly) — use 小气 for a more casual tone or when referring to petty behaviors, while 吝啬 conveys a stronger sense of extreme stinginess.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 小气 with related terms like 吝啬 (lìn sè), which also means 'stingy' but is more formal. For example, saying '我觉得他很吝啬' (I think he is very stingy) would be less common; using 小气 is more natural in casual conversation.
Write 小气
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Grammar Patterns of 小气
小气 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
哪有老板这么____的！连加班费都不给。
How can a boss be this stingy! He does not even pay overtime.
Example Sentences for 小气 (2)
Frequently Asked Questions about 小气
Generally, 小气 is informal and may not be appropriate in formal situations. Instead, consider using more neutral terms.
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