Meaning
小气 literally means 'small air/气' and describes someone who is unwilling to spend money or share resources. It can also describe someone who is petty-minded or narrow in their thinking, getting upset over small matters. This is a common colloquial term with a mildly negative connotation.
Usage
Native speakers use 小气 informally to criticize or tease someone who won't spend money or is overly concerned with trivial matters. It's more casual than formal synonyms like 吝啬. Often used in phrases like 太小气了 (too stingy) or 别这么小气 (don't be so stingy). Can be used about both financial stinginess and petty behavior.
Examples
- 01他太小气了，连一杯咖啡都不愿意请我喝。, .He's too stingy; he won't even buy me a cup of coffee.
- 02别这么小气，这点钱算什么？, ?Don't be so petty; what does this little bit of money matter?
Characters
Common collocations
- 太小气了too stingy
- 别这么小气don't be so stingy
- 小气鬼stingy person, cheapskate
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 小 (small) with 气 (spirit/air), suggesting someone whose spirit or generosity is 'small.' This metaphorical use of 气 to describe character traits is common in Chinese.