In the rich tapestry of the Chinese language, idioms often carry implicit meanings that can be fascinating to uncover. One such idiom is 吹毛求疵 (chuī máo qiú cī), which embodies the essence of nitpicking or fault-finding. In this article, we will delve into its meaning, grammatical structure, and provide several example sentences to illustrate its usage. Whether you are a student of Chinese or simply a language enthusiast, understanding this idiom can enhance your grasp of this intricate language.
What Does 吹毛求疵 (chuī máo qiú cī) Mean?
The idiom 吹毛求疵 directly translates to “blow hair to seek flaw,” which metaphorically indicates a behavior characterized by excessive criticism or searching for faults in something that may actually be quite good. It is often used to describe people who nitpick or focus on trivial errors rather than appreciating the overall quality or effort.
The Grammatical Structure of 吹毛求疵
To understand 吹毛求疵 better, let’s break down its components:
- 吹 (chuī) – This verb means “to blow.” In this context, it implies a meticulous action, akin to examining something closely.
- 毛 (máo) – This noun means “hair” or “fur,” representing something very minor or insubstantial.
- 求 (qiú) – Meaning “to seek” or “to pursue,” this verb shows the intention behind the action described in the idiom.
- 疵 (cī) – This noun translates to “flaw” or “defect,” the very target of the searching action.
When combined, these components present a vivid image of someone intently blowing on a hair to find the smallest defect, thereby illustrating a person’s overly critical nature. The structure consists of two verbs (吹 and 求) flanking two nouns (毛 and 疵), reinforcing the notion of action versus object in criticism.
Example Sentences Using 吹毛求疵
To help clarify the usage of 吹毛求疵, here are some example sentences:
1. Analyzing Performance Reviews
在公司年终评估会上,有些经理总是 吹毛求疵,而失去了对团队整体成绩的重视。
Translation: During the company’s annual evaluation meeting, some managers always nitpick, losing sight of the overall achievements of the team.
2. Discussing Art Critique
虽然他的画技很出色,但有些评论家却不停 吹毛求疵,这显然不公平。
Translation: Although his painting skills are outstanding, some critics keep finding faults, which is obviously unfair.
3. Family Situations
家里的长辈经常 吹毛求疵,让年轻人感到压力很大。
Translation: The elders at home often nitpick, making the younger generation feel a lot of pressure.
4. Social Settings
她在社交场合中总喜欢 吹毛求疵,这让其他人感到很不舒服。
Translation: She always likes to find faults in social situations, which makes others feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
By understanding the idiom 吹毛求疵 (chuī máo qiú cī), you can gain insights into cultural attitudes around criticism and appreciation in Chinese society. It serves as a reminder to foster a more constructive approach when evaluating others and their work. Language learning is not just about vocabulary and grammar; it’s also about grasping the nuances and subtle messages embedded within expressions.
To effectively use this phrase in conversation, remember its inherent implication of excessive fault-finding. This awareness will greatly enhance your proficiency in Chinese and help you engage in more meaningful dialogues.

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