📖 Meaning
Describes an extremely small or meager amount. Used to emphasize that a quantity is negligible or insignificant. Often refers to money, resources, or effort that falls far short of what is needed.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Chapter 14 of "Rulin Waishi" (The Scholars), a Qing dynasty satirical novel by Wu Jingzi. In the scene, a character speaks frankly, saying that since the matter involves tens of taels of silver, it cannot be accomplished with just a tiny amount. The phrase emphasizes how a small sum is utterly inadequate compared to what is actually required. Wu Jingzi used it to highlight the gap between modest means and ambitious demands.
💡 Example Usage
他每月一些半些的工资，养活一家人都困难。
His meager monthly salary is barely enough to support his family.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 一些半些
- Pinyin: yī xiē bàn xiē
- Literal Translation: one, some, half, some
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4