吵嘴

• Pinyin: chǎo zuǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 吵 = 口 (mouth) + 少 (few, phonetic); 嘴 = 口 (mouth) + 觜 (beak)

Meaning

To quarrel; to have a verbal argument. A heated exchange of words, usually between people who know each other.

Describes verbal fighting, typically between family members, couples, or acquaintances. Less formal than 争吵. Common in descriptions of domestic disputes or petty arguments.

Examples

1. 隔壁邻居夫妻俩又在吵嘴了。 The couple next door is quarreling again.
2. 小事不值得吵嘴，退一步海阔天空。 Small matters aren't worth arguing over; taking a step back opens up the sky.
3. 他们吵嘴归吵嘴，感情还是很好的。 Even though they argue, their relationship is still good.

Usage Guide

Context: family, relationships, everyday

Tone: informal

Do Say

• 别为这点小事吵嘴了。(Don't quarrel over such a small thing.)
• 两口子吵嘴是正常的，但要及时和解。(It's normal for couples to argue, but they should make up quickly.)

Don't Say

• 两国政府吵嘴 (吵嘴 is too colloquial for formal disputes — use 争执 or 争论 for diplomatic/official contexts)

Origin & History

Compound of 吵 (to quarrel, make noise) and 嘴 (mouth). Literally 'fighting with mouths.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal