find fault; be picky about etiquette
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to find fault; to be overly critical (especially of etiquette or manners)
dialectOriginally from northern dialects, this term describes someone who is overly particular about formalities, social rituals, or minor breaches of etiquette. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying nitpicking rather than constructive criticism.
Tā他
zuò做
shì事
hěn很
rèn认
zhēn真
，
dàn但
cóng从
bù不
tiāo挑
yǎn眼
。
He works very conscientiously, but never finds fault with others.
Nǐ你
bié别
tiāo挑
yǎn眼
le了
，
chà差
bu不
duō多
jiù就
xíng行
le了
。
Stop being so picky; good enough is fine.
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Lǎo老
tài太
tai太
zài在
lǐ礼
jié节
shàng上
zuì最
tiāo挑
yǎn眼
，
yī一
diǎn点
r儿
chā差
cuò错
dōu都
bù不
néng能
yǒu有
。
The old lady is most particular about etiquette; not the slightest error is permitted.
Tā他
zhè这
gè个
rén人
ài爱
tiāo挑
yǎn眼
，
hěn很
nán难
cì伺
hou候
。
He is a fault-finder and very difficult to please.