What Does 小氣 (xiǎo qì) Mean?
The Chinese term 小氣 (xiǎo qì) translates to “stingy” or “petty” in English. It describes a person who is reluctant to spend money or share resources. This term carries a negative connotation, often implying that the individual is overly frugal and lacks generosity.
The Grammatical Structure of 小氣
In terms of grammatical structure, 小氣 (xiǎo qì) consists of two characters:
- 小 (xiǎo): This character means “small” or “little.” In this context, it suggests a small mindset or an inability to share generously.
- 氣 (qì): This character means “air” or “energy,” but in this usage, it connotes a sense of disposition or temperament.
Together, these characters illustrate a narrow-minded attitude, particularly regarding financial matters.
Usage and Context of 小氣
小氣 (xiǎo qì) can be used in various contexts, typically describing someone’s character or behavior. It often appears in conversations about personal relationships, financial dealings, or social expectations.
Example Sentences Using 小氣
1. Describing a Person
他非常小氣,從來不請朋友吃飯。
(Tā fēicháng xiǎo qì, cónglái bù qǐng péngyǒu chīfàn.)
Translation: He is very stingy and never treats his friends to meals.
2. In a Financial Context
她的小氣讓大家都不想和她一起合作。
(Tā de xiǎo qì ràng dàjiā dōu bùxiǎng hé tā yīqǐ hézuò.)
Translation: Her stinginess makes everyone unwilling to collaborate with her.
3. Reflecting on Generosity
如果你一直小氣,誰會想和你交朋友呢?
(Rúguǒ nǐ yīzhí xiǎo qì, shéi huì xiǎng hé nǐ jiāo péngyǒu ne?)
Translation: If you are always stingy, who would want to be friends with you?
Conclusion
In summary, 小氣 (xiǎo qì) encapsulates a critical perspective on frugality, highlighting how a stingy nature can impact relationships and social perceptions. Understanding this term enhances our appreciation of nuanced Chinese expressions related to character and behavior.

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