Definition
刁 is a stative verb with two common but distinct senses. One is 'cunning, sly' — describing a person who is dishonest or tricky. The other is 'picky, hard to please', most often used in the phrase 嘴刁 to describe someone who is particular about food. The English gloss 'tricky' can be misleading because 刁 is not the usual word for 'tricky' in a playful sense; it has a negative connotation.
s.v.
cunningslyartfulpicky (about food)hard to please
Examples
- 刁，。Tā zhège rén hěn diāo, dàjiā dōu bù xiāngxìn tā.He is a very cunning person; everyone doesn't trust him.
- 刁，。Zhè háizi zuǐ diāo, zhǐ chī zìjǐ xǐhuan de.This child is picky; he only eats what he likes.
- 刁，。Nàge shāngrén tài diāo le, zǒngshì piàn rén.That businessman is too sly; he always cheats people.
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