嫌

• Pinyin: xián
• Hanzi breakdown: 嫌 = 女 (woman) + 兼 (double, both). Originally suggested jealousy or suspicion between women, extended to general dislike

Meaning

To dislike; to find fault with; to suspect; to mind. Expresses dissatisfaction or suspicion toward something.

Commonly used to express mild dissatisfaction or criticism, often about something being too much or too little of a quality. Also used in legal contexts: 嫌疑 (suspicion), 嫌疑人 (suspect). Common pattern: 嫌 + adjective (e.g., 嫌贵, 嫌烦).

Examples

1. 她总嫌自己房间太小，想换个大一点的公寓。 She always finds her room too small and wants to move to a bigger apartment.
2. 别嫌麻烦，这些手续是必须办的。 Don't mind the trouble; these procedures must be completed.
3. 他嫌菜咸了，但我觉得味道刚刚好。 He found the dish too salty, but I thought the taste was just right.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, complaint, criticism

Tone: dissatisfied

Do Say

• 你嫌什么？(What do you find fault with?)
• 别嫌我唠叨。(Don't mind my nagging.)

Don't Say

• 我嫌喜欢这个 — 嫌表示不满或挑剔，不能和'喜欢'连用

Origin & History

Composed of 女 (woman) + 兼 (both/double). Original meaning related to jealousy or suspicion, later extended to dislike or finding fault.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal