出毛病

• Pinyin: chū máo bing
• Hanzi breakdown: 出 = to emerge; 毛 = hair/small; 病 = illness = defect/problem

Meaning

To develop a problem; to malfunction; to go wrong.

Colloquial expression for something breaking down or going wrong. Can be used for machines, systems, bodies, or even relationships. Casual but widely used.

Examples

1. 我的电脑又出毛病了，打不开机。 My computer broke down again — it won't turn on.
2. 这台机器用了太久，开始出毛病了。 This machine has been used too long and is starting to malfunction.
3. 他最近身体出了点毛病，需要休息。 He's been having some health issues recently and needs rest.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, machines, health

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 车子出毛病了，得送去修。(The car broke down and needs to be taken for repairs.)
• 哪里出毛病了？让我看看。(What went wrong? Let me take a look.)

Don't Say

• 出毛病给你 (出毛病 is intransitive — problems emerge, they're not given)

Origin & History

Verb-object construction: 出 (to emerge) + 毛病 (problem/defect). Problems 'coming out' or appearing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal