是是非非 (shì shì fēi fēi) — gossip, scandal, petty disputes and controversy

Definition

A reduplicated set phrase for 'gossip, petty disputes' — the right/wrong squabbles that swirl around a workplace or neighborhood. Bound form: it attaches after 这/那些/各种 and modifies a situation, not a specific person.

bound form

gossipscandalpetty disputes and controversy

Examples

是是非非，。
Gōng sī lǐ zǒng shì yǒu gè zhǒng shì shì fēi fēi, zuì hǎo bié cān yù.
There's always all kinds of gossip in the office; it's best not to get involved.
是是非非，。
Tā yīn wèi juǎn rù nà xiē shì shì fēi fēi, zuì hòu cí zhí le.
She ended up resigning because she got caught up in that scandal.
是是非非。
Lín jū zhī jiān de shì shì fēi fēi ràng rén xīn fán.
The gossip among neighbors is really annoying.

Origin

Characters in this word

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

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