毛病

máo bìng
nounIntermediate
informal

A fault, defect, or problem in something, often referring to a machine or system.

这辆车有个毛病,发动机容易过热。

This car has a problem; the engine tends to overheat.

💡

Often used to describe minor or recurring issues.

informal

A bad habit or flaw in a person's character or behavior.

他最大的毛病就是拖延症。

His biggest flaw is procrastination.

💡

Can be used to describe personal shortcomings in a lighthearted or critical way.

Collocations

有毛病has a problem毛病多has many flaws

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

毛病百出phrase
full of flaws

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

毛病 is often used to describe minor issues in both objects and people, so context is key.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning shifts between literal (machine faults) and figurative (personal flaws) based on context.

📖Word Origin

Composed of '毛' (hair) and '病' (illness), originally referring to a minor illness or flaw.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally for mechanical issues and figuratively for personal flaws. Often used in casual conversation.

Word Breakdown

hair
root
+
illness
root
汉英词典