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A2 adjective #3,500 most common 9 min read

小气

xiǎoqì Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 小气 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 小气 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '小气' (xiǎoqi) as a simple adjective to describe someone who does not like to spend money or share things. It is the opposite of being 'nice' or 'generous' in a basic social sense. You might hear it when children are playing and one doesn't want to share a toy. The structure is very simple: 'Person + 很 (hěn) + 小气.' For example, '他很小气' (He is stingy). At this level, don't worry about the 'narrow-minded' meaning; just focus on the 'not sharing' or 'not spending' aspect. It's a useful word for basic descriptions of people's characters. Remember that '小' means small, so you can think of it as someone having a 'small' heart for others.

At the A2 level, you can start using '小气' in more varied sentences. You should understand that it can apply to both money and behavior. For example, '别小气' (bié xiǎoqi) means 'Don't be stingy/petty.' You will often see it used with the particle '了' to indicate a change or a reaction, like '你太小气了!' (You are being too stingy!). You should also learn to use it with the preposition '对' (duì) to specify who the stinginess is directed toward: '他对我男朋友很小气' (He is very stingy toward my boyfriend). This level is where you begin to see the word as a social criticism in everyday life, such as when splitting a bill or discussing a boss.

By B1, you should recognize the nuance between '小气' and its synonyms like '抠门' (kōumén - slang for stingy) and '节俭' (jiéjiǎn - frugal/positive). You should be able to use '小气' to describe someone's personality beyond just money—for instance, someone who gets angry over minor issues. You can use it in more complex structures like '虽然...但是...' (Although... but...). For example, '虽然他很有钱，但是他为人很小气' (Although he is very rich, he is very stingy in his dealings). You should also be comfortable using it to describe objects or styles that look 'cheap' or 'unimpressive,' though the character description remains the primary use case.

At the B2 level, you should understand the cultural implications of '小气' in Chinese society, particularly the concept of 'Face' (面子). Being '小气' is a failure to uphold social expectations of generosity. You should be able to use the word in more formal contexts or when discussing social dynamics. You can also use related idioms or four-character phrases that involve similar concepts. At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between '小气' and '吝啬' (lìnsè), noting that the latter is more formal and intense. You might also use it to describe a narrow-minded attitude in a debate: '这种想法太小气了，我们应该看大局' (This kind of thinking is too narrow-minded; we should look at the big picture).

At the C1 level, you are expected to use '小气' with precision, capturing subtle shades of meaning in literary or professional contexts. You might use it to critique a piece of writing or art that lacks '大气' (grandeur/breadth). You should understand its use in historical contexts or classical literature where '气' (spirit/energy) is a more philosophical concept. You can use it to describe complex psychological states, such as a person's '小气' nature leading to their downfall in a social circle. Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of Chinese social etiquette and the nuances of interpersonal relations (人际关系). You might also explore the etymology of the word more deeply in your discussions.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '小气.' You can use it ironically, sarcastically, or with extreme nuance in high-level discourse. You understand its place in various dialects and how its meaning might slightly shift across different Chinese-speaking regions. You can engage in academic discussions about the evolution of the term '气' in the Chinese language and how '小气' reflects traditional Chinese values regarding wealth and social responsibility. You are able to use the word in sophisticated metaphors or as part of a larger socio-cultural critique of modern consumerism or individualism vs. traditional communal generosity. Your command of the word allows you to use it in any register, from the most casual street slang to formal academic prose.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

小气 in 30 Seconds

Used to describe someone who is stingy with money or unwilling to share resources with others.
Refers to being petty, narrow-minded, or easily offended by minor or trivial issues.
A negative character trait that is the direct opposite of being generous or 'dàfāng'.
Highly common in daily Chinese conversation, especially regarding social etiquette and spending habits.

The term 小气 (xiǎoqi) is a ubiquitous Chinese adjective that carries a weight much heavier than its literal translation might suggest. Composed of two characters—小 (xiǎo) meaning 'small' and 气 (qì) meaning 'air,' 'breath,' or 'spirit'—it fundamentally describes a person whose internal capacity or spirit is perceived as 'small' or 'narrow.' In practical usage, it primarily refers to someone who is stingy with money, but its reach extends far into the realms of personality and social behavior, characterizing someone who is petty, narrow-minded, or easily offended by trivial matters.

Financial Context: When used regarding finances, it describes someone who is unwilling to spend money, even when it is appropriate or expected by social norms. For example, someone who refuses to pay their fair share of a bill or who never treats friends to a meal might be labeled as 小气.

他赚了很多钱，但还是很小气。 (He earns a lot of money, but he is still very stingy.)

Personality Context: In a social or emotional context, it refers to being 'petty' or 'narrow-minded.' If a friend gets angry over a minor joke or refuses to forgive a small mistake, you might say they are being 小气. It suggests a lack of magnanimity or 'broadness of heart' (大气).

别为这点小事生气，你也太小气了。 (Don't get angry over such a small thing; you are being too petty.)

The word is versatile because it captures the essence of 'smallness' across different dimensions of human interaction. Whether it is a boss who won't provide basic office supplies (financial stinginess) or a partner who keeps a tally of every minor disagreement (emotional pettiness), 小气 is the go-to descriptor. It is rarely used as a compliment and is almost always a negative evaluation of someone's character. However, in very close relationships, it might be used playfully to tease a friend who is being unusually cautious with their spending.

你连一块钱都舍不得花，真小气！ (You aren't even willing to spend one yuan; you're really stingy!)

Cultural Nuance: The concept of 'Face' (面子) is often involved. A person who is 小气 is seen as someone who doesn't give enough 'face' to others by being generous. Conversely, being 'Dafang' (大方) helps build social capital and respect.

做人不能太小气，要学会分享。 (One shouldn't be too petty; one must learn to share.)

这个礼物虽然小气了点，但也是我的心意。 (Although this gift is a bit modest/paltry, it is a token of my regard.)

Using 小气 (xiǎoqi) correctly requires understanding its role as a stative verb (adjective). In Chinese, adjectives often function like verbs and don't require the verb 'to be' (是) unless emphasizing a specific state or using it with '的' as a noun modifier. Most commonly, it is preceded by an adverb of degree like '很' (hěn - very), '太' (tài - too), or '真' (zhēn - really).

Structure 1: Subject + Adverb + 小气: This is the most standard way to describe someone's character. It attributes the trait of stinginess or pettiness directly to the person.

我那个老板特别小气。 (That boss of mine is especially stingy.)

Structure 2: 对...很小气 (Stingy towards...): To specify what or who someone is being stingy with, use the preposition '对' (duì). This is common when talking about money or specific people.

他对手下的人很小气。 (He is very stingy with his subordinates.)

Structure 3: 别/不要 + 小气 (Don't be stingy/petty): This imperative form is used to encourage someone to be more generous or open-minded in a specific situation.

大家都是朋友，别那么小气。 (We are all friends; don't be so petty.)

Another common usage is as a modifier for nouns, using '的' (de). For example, '小气的人' (a stingy person) or '小气的行为' (stingy behavior). In these cases, it functions as a standard adjective describing the following noun. It is also important to note the contrast with '大方' (dàfāng - generous). Often, speakers will use the two in the same conversation to highlight a change in behavior or to set expectations.

他以前很小气，现在变得大方多了。 (He used to be very stingy, but now he has become much more generous.)

这种小气鬼，谁都不想跟他一起玩。 (No one wants to play with a stingy person/miser like him.)

The word 小气 (xiǎoqi) is a staple of daily conversation in Chinese-speaking communities. You will encounter it in various social settings, from casual dinners to workplace gossip. Understanding the context is key to grasping whether the speaker is complaining about a financial transaction or a person's character.

At the Dinner Table: In China, there is a strong culture of 'treating' (请客). If a group goes out and one person consistently avoids paying or tries to split the bill down to the last cent in a way that feels awkward, others might whisper that they are 小气. It is a social judgment on their lack of hospitality.

他请客只点两个菜，太小气了。 (He invited us but only ordered two dishes; he's so stingy.)

In the Workplace: Employees often use this word to describe management. A '小气' company might not provide coffee, might be very strict about office supplies, or might offer very small bonuses. It can also describe a colleague who doesn't share information or credit.

公司连加班餐费都不给，真够小气的。 (The company won't even pay for overtime meals; they're really stingy.)

Pop Culture and Media: In Chinese TV dramas (C-dramas), particularly family or office dramas, '小气' is often used to create conflict between characters. A mother-in-law might be portrayed as 小气 regarding household expenses, or a rival might be called 小气 for not forgiving a slight.

你别这么小气，把玩具分给弟弟玩。 (Don't be so stingy; share the toys with your younger brother.)

You will also hear '小气' in the context of design or aesthetics, though less frequently. If a room's decor is described as 小气, it means it looks cramped, cheap, or lacks 'grandeur' (大气). In this sense, it describes a lack of scale or style. However, 90% of the time, you'll hear it used to criticize someone's wallet or their ego.

这个房子的装修风格有点小气。 (The decoration style of this house is a bit cramped/unimpressive.)

While 小气 (xiǎoqi) is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make nuanced mistakes when applying it. The most common error is failing to distinguish between being 'frugal' and being 'stingy.' In English, 'frugal' is often positive, but in Chinese, 小气 is almost always negative.

Mistake 1: Confusing Frugality with Stinginess: If you want to praise someone for being careful with their money in a smart way, use 节俭 (jiéjiǎn) or 省 (shěng). Calling them 小气 might offend them because it implies they are mean or socially deficient.

Mistake: 他很小气，所以存了很多钱。 (He is stingy, so he saved a lot of money - implies negative character.)
Better: 他很节俭，所以存了很多钱。 (He is frugal, so he saved a lot of money.)

Mistake 2: Using it for Physical Size: Because '小' means small, beginners sometimes use 小气 to mean a small quantity of air or a small physical object. This is incorrect. Use 小 or 少 for those meanings.

Mistake: 这里的空气很小气。 (The air here is 'stingy' - makes no sense.)
Correct: 这里的空气很少。 (There is very little air here.)

Mistake 3: Overlooking the 'Petty' Meaning: Many learners only associate 小气 with money. However, if someone is being 'petty' about a rule or a minor mistake, 小气 is the perfect word. Don't limit its use to just financial contexts.

他因为我迟到一分钟就生气，真小气。 (He got angry just because I was one minute late; he's so petty.)

Finally, be careful with the intensity. Using '太小气了' (tài xiǎoqi le) is a strong criticism. If you are joking with a friend, use a lighter tone or add a smile to ensure they know you aren't actually attacking their character. In formal settings, calling a business partner 小气 could permanently damage the relationship.

别那么小气嘛，就借我用一下。 (Don't be so stingy; just let me use it for a second.)

To truly master 小气 (xiǎoqi), you must understand where it sits in the spectrum of related Chinese terms. Depending on the level of formality and the specific type of 'smallness' you want to describe, other words might be more appropriate.

小气 vs. 吝啬 (lìnsè): 小气 is common, colloquial, and covers both money and personality. 吝啬 is more formal and literary, primarily focusing on extreme stinginess with wealth. You would find 吝啬 in a book or a formal speech, but rarely in a casual chat with friends.

那个守财奴非常吝啬。 (That miser is extremely stingy/parsimonious.)

小气 vs. 抠门 (kōumén): 抠门 is a very common slang term. It literally suggests someone who 'scrapes the door' to save every tiny bit. It is more focused on money than 小气 is. If someone is '抠门,' they are definitely '小气,' but '小气' can also mean being petty about emotions, which '抠门' usually doesn't cover.

他这人太抠门了，一分钱也要算。 (He is too stingy/a cheapskate; he calculates every single cent.)

小气 vs. 节俭 (jiéjiǎn): As mentioned before, 节俭 is the positive version. It means being thrifty or economical. A person who is 节俭 is respected for not wasting resources. A person who is 小气 is looked down upon for being mean.

勤俭节约是我们的传统美德。 (Diligence and frugality are our traditional virtues.)

In summary, use 小气 for everyday complaints about stinginess or pettiness. Use 抠门 for more colorful slang specifically about money. Use 吝啬 for formal writing. And always reach for 节俭 if you want to be polite about someone's careful spending habits.

别怪他，他只是比较节俭，不是小气。 (Don't blame him; he's just quite frugal, not stingy.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In some ancient texts, '小气' could also refer to a physical shortness of breath, but that meaning is completely obsolete now.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕi̯ɑʊ̯ tɕʰi/

US /ɕi̯ɑʊ̯ tɕʰi/

The stress is typically on the first syllable 'xiǎo', which has the third tone (falling and then rising).

Rhymes With

巧 (qiǎo) 少 (shǎo) 好 (hǎo) 饱 (bǎo) 跑 (pǎo) 老 (lǎo) 草 (cǎo) 表 (biǎo)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' like an English 'k' or 'kw'. It should be a 'ch' sound.
Failing to perform the full third tone on 'xiǎo'.
Confusing 'qi' (4th tone or neutral) with 'qì' (air/energy). In 'xiǎoqi', the 'qi' is often pronounced with a neutral tone in northern dialects.
Pronouncing 'x' like a hard English 'sh'. It should be softer.
Mixing up the 'iao' sound with 'io' or 'ao'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are simple and learned early (A2 level).

Writing 2/5

Both '小' and '气' are high-frequency characters.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct tones and understanding of social context.

Listening 2/5

Common in daily speech and media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

小气很不人

Learn Next

大方吝啬抠门斤斤计较面子

Advanced

意境格局胸怀豁达豪爽

Grammar to Know

Degree Adverbs with Adjectives

他【特别】小气。

The 'Tai...le' Structure

你【太】小气【了】！

Preposition 'Dui' for Targets

他【对】朋友很小气。

Adjectives as Noun Modifiers with 'De'

【小气的】人没有朋友。

Negation with 'Bu'

我不觉得他【不】小气。

Examples by Level

他很小气。

He is very stingy.

Subject + 很 + Adjective

不要小气。

Don't be stingy.

Imperative: 不要 + Adjective

你很小气吗？

Are you stingy?

Question with 吗

我不小气。

I am not stingy.

Negation with 不

我哥哥很小气。

My older brother is very stingy.

Family member + 很 + Adjective

那个小气的人。

That stingy person.

Adjective + 的 + Noun

他有一点小气。

He is a little bit stingy.

有一点 + Adjective

你真小气！

You are really stingy!

真 + Adjective

别为这点钱小气。

Don't be stingy about this little bit of money.

为 (for) + Noun + Adjective

他对我一直很小气。

He has always been very stingy toward me.

对 (toward) + Person + 很 + Adjective

你太小气了，请我喝杯水吧。

You're too stingy; buy me a glass of water.

太...了 structure

我不想做一个小气的人。

I don't want to be a stingy person.

Verb phrase with 做 (to be/do)

老板对员工很小气。

The boss is very stingy toward the employees.

Prepositional phrase with 对

他因为小事生气，真小气。

He got angry over a small thing; he's so petty.

Cause-effect sentence

这个礼物不小气。

This gift is not stingy (it is quite nice).

Negative description

你为什么这么小气？

Why are you so stingy?

Question with 为什么

虽然他有钱，但为人很小气。

Although he has money, he is very stingy in character.

虽然...但... (Although... but...)

这件衣服的设计感觉有点小气。

The design of this dress feels a bit 'small' (lacks grandeur).

Using 小气 to describe design/style

他总是斤斤计较，太小气了。

He is always haggling over every penny; he's too stingy.

Using with idiom 斤斤计较

别那么小气，把你的经验分享给大家。

Don't be so stingy; share your experience with everyone.

Imperative with sharing

他小气得连一分钱都不想花。

He is so stingy that he doesn't even want to spend a cent.

Adjective + 得 + Result clause

我没见过这么小气的人。

I have never seen such a stingy person.

Present perfect style with 见过

你这样说话显得很小气。

Speaking like that makes you look very petty.

显得 (to appear/seem)

他不仅小气，而且还很自私。

He is not only stingy but also very selfish.

不仅...而且... (Not only... but also...)

在朋友面前，表现得太小气会没面子。

Being too stingy in front of friends will make you lose face.

Cultural concept of 'Face'

他这种小气鬼，谁都不愿意跟他合作。

A cheapskate like him—nobody is willing to cooperate with him.

Using '小气鬼' (cheapskate)

这种小气的行为会损害你的名誉。

This kind of petty behavior will damage your reputation.

Abstract noun '名誉' (reputation)

他对手下很大方，对自己却很小气。

He is generous to his subordinates but very stingy with himself.

Contrast using 却 (but/however)

不要因为一点小误会就显得那么小气。

Don't appear so petty just because of a small misunderstanding.

Cause with 因为

他小气到了极点，真是让人无法理解。

He is stingy to the extreme; it's truly incomprehensible.

到了极点 (to the extreme)

如果不改掉小气的毛病，你很难交到真朋友。

If you don't get rid of your stingy habit, it'll be hard to make true friends.

Conditional sentence with 如果

他的心胸非常小气，容不下别人的意见。

He is very narrow-minded and cannot tolerate others' opinions.

Metaphorical use of 'heart/chest'

这种小家子气的处事方式，难成大器。

This petty way of handling things will not lead to great success.

Using '小家子气' (petty/undignified)

他的文章格局太小，显得有些小气。

The scope of his article is too narrow, making it seem a bit petty.

Critiquing intellectual 'scope' (格局)

与其说他节俭，不如说他本质上很小气。

Rather than calling him frugal, it's better to say he is inherently stingy.

与其说...不如说... (Rather than... it's better to...)

他那种斤斤计较的小气劲儿，真让人受不了。

That petty, calculating attitude of his is really unbearable.

Using '劲儿' to describe a specific vibe/attitude

在外交场合，任何小气的举动都可能引发误解。

In diplomatic settings, any petty move could trigger a misunderstanding.

Formal register '外交场合'

他的性格里有一种根深蒂固的小气。

There is a deep-rooted stinginess in his character.

Using '根深蒂固' (deep-rooted)

即便是在这种大事上，他依然表现得如此小气。

Even in such a major matter, he still behaved so pettily.

即便...依然... (Even if... still...)

这种小气的经营理念最终会导致客户流失。

This narrow-minded business philosophy will eventually lead to customer loss.

Business context '经营理念'

他那番言论，字里行间都透着一种小气。

His remarks, between the lines, all exude a kind of pettiness.

Literary phrase '字里行间' (between the lines)

这种对权力的病态把持，本质上源于内心的虚弱与小气。

This pathological grasp of power essentially stems from inner weakness and narrow-mindedness.

Sophisticated psychological analysis

莫要以小气之心度君子之腹。

Do not judge the heart of a gentleman with a petty mind (variation of a classic idiom).

Classical/Literary structure

他的画作虽技巧娴熟，但意境略显小气。

Although his paintings are technically skilled, the artistic conception is somewhat narrow.

Art criticism '意境' (artistic conception)

在宏大的历史叙事中，这种个人的小气显得微不足道。

In the grand historical narrative, this personal pettiness seems insignificant.

Philosophical/Historical register

他那狭隘的民族主义观，不过是另一种形式的小气罢了。

His narrow nationalist views are merely another form of narrow-mindedness.

Political critique

这种处处算计、毫无担当的小气，终究难登大雅之堂。

This calculating and irresponsible pettiness will never be respected in refined circles.

Idiom '难登大雅之堂' (cannot enter the halls of elegance)

我们要摒弃那种小家子气，以更开放的心态迎接挑战。

We must discard that kind of pettiness and meet challenges with a more open mind.

Exhortative formal speech

Common Collocations

很小气

太小气

有点小气

小气鬼

对钱小气

为人小气

别小气

表现小气

小气劲儿

心胸小气

Common Phrases

小气鬼

— A miser or cheapskate. Often used to tease or insult someone.

他是个有名的小气鬼。

小家子气

— Acting in a petty or undignified way, like someone from a small/poor family who lacks social grace.

他的举止显得有点小家子气。

别那么小气

— A common phrase used to tell someone to stop being petty or stingy.

别那么小气，借我用一下笔。

对人小气

— To be stingy or petty toward other people.

他对自己很大方，但对人很小气。

小气得要命

— Extremely stingy (literally 'stingy to the point of death').

我那个邻居小气得要命。

真是小气

— Truly stingy/petty. Used as an exclamation of disapproval.

连这种忙都不帮，真是小气。

小气巴拉

— A colloquial, slightly rhythmic way to emphasize stinginess.

别小气巴拉的，多给点。

这种小气话

— Petty talk or remarks that show a narrow mind.

别说这种小气话，没意思。

小气的样子

— The appearance or manner of being stingy.

看他那小气的样子，真好笑。

由于小气

— Because of stinginess or pettiness.

由于他的小气，朋友们都离开了他。

Often Confused With

小气 vs 小

Only means 'small' in size/quantity, not stingy.

小气 vs 节俭

Positive word for being frugal/thrifty.

小气 vs 生气

Means 'to get angry'; sounds similar but meaning is different.

Idioms & Expressions

"斤斤计较"

— To haggle over every ounce; to be overly concerned with trifles or small amounts.

在小事上斤斤计较会让人觉得你很小气。

Common

"一毛不拔"

— Literally 'not willing to pull out even one hair.' Refers to an extremely stingy person.

他这人一毛不拔，从来不捐款。

Informal

"鼠肚鸡肠"

— Literally 'rat's belly and chicken's gut.' Describes someone who is very narrow-minded and petty.

别理他那种鼠肚鸡肠的人。

Derogatory

"抠门儿"

— A very common colloquial term for being stingy.

他太抠门儿了，连水都不舍得买。

Slang

"爱财如命"

— To love money as much as one's life. Describes a miser.

他爱财如命，非常小气。

Common

"吝啬鬼"

— A miser; a stingy person.

书中描写了一个著名的吝啬鬼形象。

Literary

"目光短浅"

— Short-sighted; often associated with being petty and not seeing the big picture.

这种小气的做法说明他目光短浅。

Neutral

"器量狭小"

— Having a small capacity (spirit); narrow-minded.

器量狭小的人很难在事业上取得大成功。

Formal

"铁公鸡"

— An 'iron rooster' (from which no feathers can be plucked). A nickname for a stingy person.

大家私下里都叫他铁公鸡。

Slang

"小肚鸡肠"

— Same as 鼠肚鸡肠; very petty and narrow-minded.

男人不能太小肚鸡肠。

Common

Easily Confused

小气 vs 吝啬

Both mean stingy.

吝啬 is formal and only about money; 小气 is casual and about money/personality.

文学作品中常有吝啬鬼的形象。

小气 vs 节俭

Both relate to not spending money.

节俭 is a virtue (frugal); 小气 is a vice (stingy).

他生活节俭，但对朋友并不小气。

小气 vs 抠门

Both mean stingy.

抠门 is more slangy and focuses almost entirely on money.

他太抠门了，出门从来不打车。

小气 vs 狭窄

Both can mean narrow-minded.

狭窄 is usually for physical spaces or abstract 'views' (心胸狭窄). 小气 is for behavior.

这条路很狭窄。

小气 vs 小家子气

Similar meaning.

小家子气 emphasizes a lack of social grace or class in one's pettiness.

别表现得那么小家子气。

Sentence Patterns

S + 很 + 小气

他很小气。

别 + 小气

别小气，给我吃一口。

S + 对 + 人/事 + 很小气

他对钱很小气。

S + 太小气了

你这也太小气了。

S + 是个 + 小气鬼

他是个有名的小气鬼。

S + 表现得 + 很小气

他在晚会上表现得很小气。

与其说...不如说...小气

与其说他省钱，不如说他小气。

这种...的小气...

这种处处算计的小气终究难登大雅之堂。

Word Family

Nouns

小气鬼 (miser)

小气劲儿 (stinginess/vibe)

Adjectives

小家子气 (petty/undignified)

大气 (generous/grand - antonym)

吝啬

抠门

大方

豪爽

气度

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily spoken Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Using '小气' for 'small volume'. → 使用'小'或'少'。
You cannot say 'The noise is very xiaoqi.' It only refers to character.
Saying '他是小气' (He is stingy). → 他【很】小气。
In Chinese, adjectives usually need a degree adverb like '很' instead of the verb '是'.
Confusing '小气' with '生气'. → 小气 (stingy) vs 生气 (angry).
They sound similar but '生气' is a verb for anger, while '小气' is an adjective for character.
Using '小气' to praise someone's saving habits. → 使用'节俭'。
'小气' is an insult. Even if they save money, calling them '小气' is negative.
Using '小气' as a verb like 'Don't stingy me'. → 别【对我】那么小气。
It's an adjective, so you need to use it with '对' or as a state.

Tips

Face and Generosity

In China, paying the bill is a way to show respect and build relationships. Being called '小气' means you are failing at this social duty.

Using with 'Dui'

Always use '对' to specify the target, e.g., '对孩子很小气' (stingy toward children).

Positive Alternative

If you want to describe someone who saves money wisely, use '节俭' (jiéjiǎn) instead of '小气'.

Tone Matters

The third tone on 'xiǎo' is crucial. If you say it with the wrong tone, it might not be understood as the intended adjective.

Try 'Koumen'

To sound more like a native speaker in casual conversation, try using '抠门' (kōumén) when talking about money.

Adverbial Degree

Use '太...了' (too...) with '小气' to express strong dissatisfaction.

Beyond Money

Remember that '小气' also means petty. Use it when someone gets mad at a tiny mistake.

Describing Villains

In stories, '小气' is a classic trait for a minor villain or an annoying neighbor.

Avoiding the Label

To avoid being seen as '小气,' Chinese etiquette often suggests offering to pay, even if you know the other person will.

Antonym Practice

Practice '小气' and '大方' together to remember they are a pair of opposites.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Small' (小) + 'Breath' (气). Someone who is '小气' has such a small 'breath' or spirit that they can't even let a single penny or a small joke pass through them.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a tiny coin with both hands, refusing to let go, and their chest is squeezed tight (small air).

Word Web

Money Stingy Petty Narrow-minded Face Dafang Koumen Miser

Challenge

Try to describe a character from a movie you know using '小气' in three different sentences.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '小' (small) and '气' (air/spirit/breath). In traditional Chinese thought, 'qi' is the vital energy or spirit within a person.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a small or weak spirit. Over time, this 'smallness' of spirit was applied to social behaviors like not wanting to share or being easily upset.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Calling someone '小气' can be very offensive in a formal or semi-formal setting. Use it with caution.

English speakers might use 'cheap' or 'stingy,' but 'petty' is a separate word. '小气' conveniently covers both.

The character Grandet in Balzac's 'Eugénie Grandet' is the definition of 小气. Ebenezer Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol' is a classic 小气鬼. The 'Iron Rooster' (铁公鸡) is a famous Chinese folk metaphor for a stingy person.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Paying the bill

AA制 (Split the bill)
请客 (Treat someone)
买单 (Pay the bill)
算账 (Calculate the bill)

Sharing food

分一点 (Share a bit)
尝尝 (Taste it)
留着 (Keep it)
独吞 (Eat all by oneself)

Workplace/Bosses

加班费 (Overtime pay)
福利 (Benefits)
奖金 (Bonus)
苛刻 (Harsh/demanding)

Relationships/Jealousy

吃醋 (Be jealous)
吵架 (Argue)
原谅 (Forgive)
大度 (Magnanimous)

Shopping/Haggling

打折 (Discount)
便宜 (Cheap)
还价 (Haggle)
舍不得 (Reluctant to spend)

Conversation Starters

"你觉得什么样的行为算小气？"

"你见过最小气的人是谁？"

"在你们国家，AA制会被认为小气吗？"

"如果你男朋友/女朋友很小气，你会怎么办？"

"你觉得‘节俭’和‘小气’的区别是什么？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你觉得别人很小气的经历。当时发生了什么？

你觉得自己是一个大方的人还是一个小气的人？为什么？

在中国文化中，为什么‘大方’这么重要？

写一段对话，其中一个人在批评另一个人很小气。

讨论一下在职场中，‘小气’的领导会对团队产生什么影响。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is almost always negative. Even if used playfully among friends, it points out a flaw in someone's generosity or character. If you want to be positive, use '节俭' (frugal).

You can, but it's metaphorical. It means the room's design lacks grandeur or feels 'cheaply' small. For just 'small in size,' simply use '小'.

The most common way is '别小气' (bié xiǎoqi) or '别那么小气' (bié nàme xiǎoqi).

Yes, in a relationship context, if someone gets upset over small interactions with others, they might be called '小气' (petty/narrow-minded).

A '小气鬼' (xiǎoqi guǐ) is a 'stingy ghost,' which is the Chinese equivalent of a 'cheapskate' or 'miser'.

They are very similar, but '抠门' is more informal slang and is specifically about money. '小气' is broader.

You can say '他在时间上很小气' or '他不舍得花时间' (He is not willing to spend time).

Usually not directly to someone's face, as it's an insult. However, businesses might be described as '小气' behind their backs if they have poor benefits.

The most common opposite is '大方' (dàfāng), meaning generous.

Both use the character '气' (energy/breath), but '小气' is a personality trait, while '气功' is a physical/spiritual practice.