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March 24, 2026
小心翼翼xiǎoxīnyìyì(xiao3xin1yi4yi4)
小心翼翼 is an idiom that describes a state of being extremely careful and cautious in one’s actions. It is often used in contexts where precision and carefulness are required, such as handling fragile objects or addressing sensitive situations.
Frequency#11628DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being cautious and respectful is highly valued, especially in social situations. The phrase 小心翼翼 reflects the importance of carefulness in interpersonal relationships and decision-making.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny bird (小) perched on a delicate branch (心), flapping its wings (翼) ever so gently (翼) to avoid breaking it. This image of a cautious little bird helps you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation of 小心翼翼.
Meanings of 小心翼翼
xiǎoxīnyìyì(xiao3xin1yi4yi4)
1cautious and solemn (idiom); very carefully
2prudent
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 小心翼翼
小心翼翼Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#11628Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 小心翼翼
Podcast: 小心翼翼
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AI Study Notes for 小心翼翼
Quick Contrast
谨慎 (jǐnshèn) vs 小心翼翼: Use 小心翼翼 when emphasizing extreme caution in delicate situations, while 谨慎 is more general and can refer to carefulness in broader contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny bird (小) perched on a delicate branch (心), flapping its wings (翼) ever so gently (翼) to avoid breaking it. This image of a cautious little bird helps you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation of 小心翼翼.
Usage Notes
This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more commonly found in written language. Common collocations include 小心翼翼地对待 (to treat something with extreme caution) or 小心翼翼地行事 (to act very carefully). Be mindful of the tone when using it in conversation; it can convey seriousness.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 idiom, 小心翼翼 connects well with other idioms that convey caution or attentiveness. Focus on understanding its usage in sentences to grasp the nuance of carefulness in various contexts, which is essential at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being cautious and respectful is highly valued, especially in social situations. The phrase 小心翼翼 reflects the importance of carefulness in interpersonal relationships and decision-making.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 小心翼翼 with just 小心, thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, 小心翼翼 conveys a deeper level of carefulness, so use it when the situation requires extra caution.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 小心翼翼
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Grammar Patterns of 小心翼翼
小心翼翼 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他____地跨过残余的隔墙。
He moved carefully over what remained of partition walls.
Example Sentences for 小心翼翼 (10)
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1
他小心翼翼地跨过残余的隔墙。
tā xiǎo xīn yì yì dì kuà guò cán yú de gé qiáng。
He moved carefully over what remained of partition walls.
I am rather chary of making too many idiotic mistakes.
9
本小心翼翼地把车开进车库时从他们身边经过。
běn xiǎo xīn yì yì dì bǎ chē kāi jìn chē kù shí cóng tā mén shēn biān jīng guò。
Ben drove past them, nosing his car into the garage.
10
购物的人们小心翼翼地择路避开由于连续下雨形成的水坑。
gòu wù de rén mén xiǎo xīn yì yì dì zé lù bì kāi yóu yú lián xù xià yǔ xíng chéng de shuǐ kēng。
Shoppers picked their way through puddles caused by persistent rain.
Cultural Notes for 小心翼翼
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being cautious and respectful is highly valued, especially in social situations. The phrase 小心翼翼 reflects the importance of carefulness in interpersonal relationships and decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions about 小心翼翼
Use 小心翼翼 when you want to emphasize a higher degree of caution or meticulousness than just being careful.
Yes, while it's more common in written contexts, you can use it in spoken language as well, especially to emphasize carefulness.
Yes, expressions like 'with kid gloves' or 'tiptoeing around' convey a similar sense of caution.
