Meanings of 微不足道
By ear
Play it, then pick what 微不足道 means.
About 微不足道
Podcast: 微不足道
Podcast: 微不足道
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 微不足道
微小 (wēi xiǎo) - use 微不足道 when emphasizing insignificance in a broader context, while 微小 simply denotes small size.
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; it can sound dismissive if used inappropriately. A common mistake is to use it for serious issues; it should only be applied to truly minor matters.
As an HSK 6 idiom, 微不足道 connects well with other expressions that convey evaluation or judgment of significance. Students should focus on understanding the nuance of context when using it, as it can imply a dismissive attitude.
Learners often misuse 微不足道 to describe important matters, thinking it means 'not important' rather than 'negligible.' For example, saying '这件事是微不足道的' (This matter is negligible) could be incorrect if the issue is significant.
Pronunciation of 微不足道
Drill the tone of 微不足道 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 微不足道 to You
Let me explain 微不足道 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 微不足道 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 微不足道?
Learning Lab
Knowing 微不足道 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Idiom Spotlight: 微不足道
Component Characters
How to say negligible in Chinese
“negligible” in Chinese is微不足道
The idiom 微不足道 (wēi bù zú dào) describes something that is so small or insignificant that it is not worth mentioning. It is often used to downplay concerns or issues that may seem large to some but are trivial in the grand scheme of things.
When to use 微不足道
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; it can sound dismissive if used inappropriately. A common mistake is to use it for serious issues; it should only be applied to truly minor matters.
微不足道 or something close to it
微小 (wēi xiǎo) - use 微不足道 when emphasizing insignificance in a broader context, while 微小 simply denotes small size.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 微不足道 to describe important matters, thinking it means 'not important' rather than 'negligible.' For example, saying '这件事是微不足道的' (This matter is negligible) could be incorrect if the issue is significant.
Write 微不足道
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 微不足道 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 微不足道
微不足道 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这听上去也许____，但是，相信我，它十分重要！
This may sound trivial, but I assure you it is quite important!
Example Sentences for 微不足道 (6)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 微不足道?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 微不足道
It's best not to use this idiom to describe feelings, as it may come off as dismissive or insensitive.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 微不足道?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.