小巧玲珑 (xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng) — small and exquisite; delicate and fine; (of a person) petite and cute

Definition

Idiom for things (or people) that are small yet finely made and charming — often crafts, jewelry, or a petite woman. Carries a warm, admiring tone.

idiom
small and exquisitedelicate and fine(of a person) petite and cute

Examples

  • 小巧玲珑，。
    Zhè jiàn yù diāo xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng, zuò gōng fēi cháng jīng xì.
    This jade carving is small and exquisite, with very fine craftsmanship.
  • 小巧玲珑，。
    Tā cháng dé xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng, kàn qǐ lái xiàng gè yáng wá wa.
    She is petite and cute, looking like a doll.
  • 小巧玲珑，。
    Zhè ge shǒu shì hé xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng, hěn shì hé fàng xiǎo wù jiàn.
    This jewelry box is small and exquisite, perfect for storing small items.

Origin

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

  • 八八bāto divide; to separate
  • 丨丨gǔnsmall object

The shape of 小 comes from three small dots, later elongated into its strokes; the apparent parts 八 and 丨 are a later way of seeing it.

Open 小 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
工工gōng
Sound part声符shēngfú
丂
丂kǎo巧qiǎo
Same sound today

巧 is made of 工 and 丂; 工 points to its meaning, and 丂 points to its sound.

Open 巧 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
玉玉yùjade
Sound part声符shēngfú
令
令lìng玲
Same sound today

玲 pairs 玉 (jade) with 令, which gives its sound.

Open 玲 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 瓏; 珑 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
玉玉yùjade
Sound part声符shēngfú
龍
龍lóng瓏
Same sound today

For 珑, the traditional form 瓏 pairs 玉 (jade) with 龍 (dragon), which gives the sound.

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