Use this idiom to describe things that are negligible or trivial in importance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes something so small or trivial it is not worth mentioning.
- Commonly used in humble expressions regarding one's own efforts.
- Can refer to physical size, social status, or abstract value.
Overview
- 1概览：‘微不足道’是一个非常常用的汉语成语。‘微’意为细小；‘不足’意为不够、不值得；‘道’意为说、谈论。整个词的意思是某件事物极其微小，以至于不值得去谈论或关注。它不仅可以形容物质的大小，更多地是形容价值、贡献、地位或影响力的匮乏。2) 用法模式：该词常在句子中充当谓语或定语。作为谓语时，常接在主语（如‘贡献’、‘力量’、‘损失’）之后；作为定语时，通常形式为‘微不足道的 + 名词’。3) 常见语境：在社交场合，它常被用于‘自谦’，比如在帮助他人后，称自己的付出是‘微不足道’的。在科学或商业语境中，它用于描述可以忽略不计的误差或成本。4) 近义词辨析：与‘渺小’相比，‘渺小’侧重于物理体积的小或社会地位的低微，而‘微不足道’更侧重于‘不重要’或‘不值得关注’。与‘微乎其微’相比，‘微乎其微’更强调数量上的极少，而‘微不足道’强调性质上的轻微。
Examples
这点小事，微不足道，不用谢。
everydayThis little thing is insignificant, no need to thank me.
在整个项目中，我所做的贡献其实微不足道。
formalIn the entire project, my contribution was actually negligible.
别担心那点微不足道的损失。
informalDon't worry about that trivial loss.
实验误差微不足道，不影响最终结论。
academicThe experimental error is negligible and does not affect the final conclusion.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
微不足道的作用
insignificant role
微不足道的细节
trivial detail
Often Confused With
Refers more to physical smallness or low social status, whereas '微不足道' emphasizes lack of importance.
Focuses specifically on an extremely small quantity or degree rather than worth.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in formal or neutral contexts. It is very common in written Chinese and formal speeches. In spoken language, it is the go-to phrase for polite self-deprecation.
Common Mistakes
Do not use it to describe something that is physically small but highly important (like a microchip). Also, avoid using it when someone is sharing a problem they care about, as it can seem dismissive.
Tips
Use for Humble Self-Deprecation
In Chinese culture, describing your own help as 'insignificant' is a sign of good manners and humility.
Avoid Dismissing Serious Issues
Be careful not to use this for significant problems, as it might make you seem dismissive or insensitive.
The Virtue of Modesty
This word reflects the Confucian value of modesty, where one's achievements are downplayed to maintain social harmony.
Word Origin
Derived from classical Chinese where 'Dao' (道) means to speak or report. It reflects the idea that some things are so minor they don't even warrant a mention in records.
Cultural Context
Reflects the traditional Chinese value of 'modesty' (谦虚). By calling one's own efforts 'insignificant,' a person avoids appearing arrogant and maintains group harmony.
Memory Tip
Break it down: 'Wei' (Micro) + 'Bu Zu' (Not enough) + 'Dao' (To talk about). It's too micro to be worth talking about!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions它通常是中性词。用于自谦时带有积极的修养感，但在形容他人的成就时可能显得有些轻视或贬低。
可以。用来形容人的力量、地位或影响力在宏大背景下显得非常渺小。
‘微乎其微’侧重于数量或程度极小，而‘微不足道’侧重于价值或重要性极低。
是的，这是一个非常正式且高频使用的成语，适用于学术、商务和文学写作。
Test Yourself
相比于浩瀚的宇宙，人类的寿命显得___。
‘微不足道’形容寿命在宇宙尺度下极其渺小，不值一提。
选择最恰当的场景：
大海中的一滴水相对于整个海洋来说是极其渺小且不重要的。
他 / 贡献 / 觉得 / 自己的 / 微不足道
标准的陈述句结构：主语 + 谓语（觉得） + 宾语从句（自己的贡献微不足道）。
Score: /3
Summary
Use this idiom to describe things that are negligible or trivial in importance.
- Describes something so small or trivial it is not worth mentioning.
- Commonly used in humble expressions regarding one's own efforts.
- Can refer to physical size, social status, or abstract value.
Use for Humble Self-Deprecation
In Chinese culture, describing your own help as 'insignificant' is a sign of good manners and humility.
Avoid Dismissing Serious Issues
Be careful not to use this for significant problems, as it might make you seem dismissive or insensitive.
The Virtue of Modesty
This word reflects the Confucian value of modesty, where one's achievements are downplayed to maintain social harmony.
Examples
4 of 4这点小事，微不足道，不用谢。
This little thing is insignificant, no need to thank me.
在整个项目中，我所做的贡献其实微不足道。
In the entire project, my contribution was actually negligible.
别担心那点微不足道的损失。
Don't worry about that trivial loss.
实验误差微不足道，不影响最终结论。
The experimental error is negligible and does not affect the final conclusion.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
