adjective HSK 5
Traditional 瑣碎
suǒ suì
trivial · trifling · petty · fragmentary · troublesome details

Meaning

琐碎 describes things that are trivial, petty, or consisting of tedious small details. It often refers to minor tasks, insignificant matters, or fragmented information that lacks importance but may consume time and energy. The word carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that something is not worth much attention.

Usage

Commonly used to describe daily chores, administrative details, or minor problems that are annoying because of their smallness and repetitiveness. Often appears in contexts where someone wants to avoid or dismiss unimportant matters. Can describe both concrete tasks (琐碎的家务) and abstract concerns (琐碎的问题).

Examples

  1. 01
    她每天都要处理很多琐碎的事情。
    měi tiān dōu yào chǔ hěn duō suǒ suì de shì qing.
    She has to deal with many trivial matters every day.
  2. 02
    别再为这些琐碎的问题烦恼了。
    Bié zài wèi zhè xiē suǒ suì de wèn fán nǎo le.
    Stop worrying about these petty problems.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 琐碎的事情
    suǒ suì de shì qing
    trivial matters
  • 琐碎的家务
    suǒ suì de jiā
    petty household chores
  • 琐碎的工作
    suǒ suì de gōng zuò
    trivial work tasks
  • 琐碎的细节
    suǒ suì de jié
    trivial details

Antonyms

Origin

琐 originally referred to small jade pieces or a chain made of small links, suggesting something composed of tiny parts. 碎 means broken or shattered into pieces. Together they evoke the image of something broken into insignificant fragments.

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