一毛不拔
一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá) literally means “not pluck a single hair” and expresses “extremely stingy”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: yi mao bu ba, yi mao bu ba,一毛不拔 meaning, 一毛不拔 in english
Extremely stingy
Pronunciation: yī máo bù bá Literal meaning: Not pluck a single hair
Origin & Usage
The idiom 一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe someone who is extremely stingy or unwilling to share even the smallest amount. The phrase literally translates to 'not pluck a single hair' (一, one; 毛, hair; 不, not; 拔, pluck). This vivid imagery paints a picture of a person who is so miserly that they would not even part with a single hair from their body. In modern usage, it is often used to criticize individuals who are excessively frugal or selfish, especially in the context of relationships and community interactions.
Examples
English: "He is so stingy that he won't even lend a penny."
Chinese: 他一毛不拔，连一分钱都不肯借。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一毛不拔 mean in English?
一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá) literally translates to “Not pluck a single hair” and is used to express “Extremely stingy”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 一毛不拔 used?
Situation: He is so stingy that he won't even lend a penny.
What is the pinyin for 一毛不拔?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一毛不拔 is “yī máo bù bá”.