微不足道

wēi bù zú dào◆idiom

insignificant

这件事在整个项目中微不足道。

This matter is insignificant in the entire project.

◆ What It Really Means

Something so small or trivial that it is not worth mentioning or considering.

¶ Literal Meaning

Too small to mention.

Literal Breakdown

微small+不足not enough+道to mention

◇ Mental Image

The mental picture is of something so tiny that it doesn't even deserve to be spoken about.

◈ When to Use

When someone downplays their own contribution to a project, they might say, 'My role was微不足道.'

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value of humility and modesty, often used to avoid appearing boastful.

informal

Something so small or trivial that it is not worth mentioning or considering.

他的贡献在团队中微不足道。

His contribution to the team is insignificant.

This idiom is often used to downplay the importance of something or someone's role.

Collocations

微不足道的贡献insignificant contribution微不足道的错误trivial mistake

Synonyms

微乎其微无足轻重不足挂齿

Antonyms

举足轻重至关重要不可或缺

Related Phrases

举足轻重idiom

crucial

至关重要phrase

of vital importance

Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use this idiom when you want to emphasize that something is so small or trivial that it doesn't warrant attention.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

The literal meaning of the components is 'too small to mention,' but the idiom conveys the figurative meaning of insignificance.

Word Origin

The idiom combines '微' (small), '不足' (not enough), and '道' (to mention), literally meaning 'too small to mention.' It emphasizes the triviality of something.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something as unimportant or negligible.

Word Breakdown

微

small

root

不足

not enough

root

道

to mention

root

汉英词典

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