Chinese idioms often encapsulate rich meanings and cultural insights. One such idiom, 雞毛蒜皮 (jī máo suàn pí), has gained considerable attention among language learners and enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, grammatical structure, and provide example sentences for clarity and better understanding.
What Does 雞毛蒜皮 (jī máo suàn pí) Mean?
The idiom 雞毛蒜皮 (jī máo suàn pí) literally translates to “chicken feathers and garlic skins.” It is used to describe trivial matters or insignificance, indicating that something is petty or of little importance. In essence, when people use this expression, they are pointing out that the issue at hand is inconsequential or not worth worrying about.
Cultural Context of 雞毛蒜皮
In Chinese culture, efficiency and focus on what truly matters are highly valued. Therefore, this idiom will often be employed to dismiss overreactions or excessive concerns regarding trivial issues. It reflects a pragmatic outlook on life, suggesting that one should not sweat the small stuff.
Grammatical Structure of 雞毛蒜皮
Understanding the grammatical structure of idiomatic expressions is crucial for proper usage. The idiom 雞毛蒜皮 is composed of three distinct parts:
- 雞毛 (jī máo) – chicken feathers: This part signifies something light and inconsequential.
- 蒜皮 (suàn pí) – garlic skins: This further emphasizes the triviality of the matter.
When put together, 雞毛蒜皮 conveys a collective meaning of trivialities or insignificant matters. The structure follows the common pattern found in Chinese idioms, combining two nouns to enhance the expressed idea.
Example Sentences Using 雞毛蒜皮
To fully grasp the use of this idiom, here are some illustrative sentences:
- 我們不應該為這些雞毛蒜皮的小事爭吵。 (Wǒmen bù yìnggāi wèi zhèxiē jī máo suàn pí de xiǎoshì zhēngchǎo.)
This translates to “We shouldn’t argue over these trivial matters.” - 他總是為雞毛蒜皮的事情而煩惱。 (Tā zǒng shì wèi jī máo suàn pí de shìqíng ér fánnǎo.)
Meaning: “He always worries about insignificant things.” - 這筆錢對他來說只不過是雞毛蒜皮。 (Zhè bǐ qián duì tā lái shuō zhǐ bùguò shì jī máo suàn pí.)
This means “This amount of money is nothing to him.”
Using 雞毛蒜皮 in Conversational Chinese
In everyday conversations, you might encounter this idiom when discussing work-related stress or even in personal relationships. Recognizing when to employ such expressions can enhance your fluency and deepen your understanding of the language nuances.
Conclusion
In summary, the idiom 雞毛蒜皮 (jī máo suàn pí) serves as an effective reminder to focus on what truly matters in life while minimizing unnecessary worries about trivialities. By understanding its meaning, grammatical structure, and seeing it in use through examples, learners can better appreciate this expression as part of their Chinese language journey.
As always, the exploration of language is a journey—one filled with not just words but deep cultural insights and practical wisdom. Embrace these idiomatic treasures as you enhance your fluency in Chinese.

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