娇气

• Pinyin: jiāo qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 娇 = 女 (woman) + 乔 — delicate; 气 = air, temperament

Meaning

Delicate; squeamish; spoiled. Describes someone who is overly sensitive, can't handle hardship, or complains easily.

Often used to describe people who have been pampered and as a result cannot tolerate discomfort, difficulty, or criticism. Can describe behavior (acting spoiled) or personality (being delicate). Generally carries a mildly negative or teasing connotation.

Examples

1. 军训能改掉学生身上的娇气和懒散。 Military training can help students shed their delicate, lazy tendencies.
2. 别那么娇气，这点小伤根本不算什么。 Don't be such a wimp — this little scratch is nothing.
3. 她从小在农村长大，一点都不娇气。 She grew up in the countryside and isn't spoiled at all.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, parenting, criticism

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 现在的孩子太娇气了。(Kids nowadays are too delicate.)
• 别娇气，站起来继续跑。(Don't be a wimp, get up and keep running.)

Don't Say

• 用'娇气'称赞某人温柔 (Don't use 娇气 as a compliment for gentleness — it implies weakness; use 温柔 or 细腻 for positive descriptions)

Origin & History

Composed of 娇 (delicate; pampered) + 气 (temperament; manner). Together they describe a delicate, pampered temperament.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal