How to say “cheapskate” in Chinese
From frugal to iron rooster
The mildest way to say “cheapskate” in Chinese is 小气 (xiǎo qì), “stingy”. The strongest is 一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá), “won't give a cent (lit. won't pluck one hair)”. Here are all 5, ranked mild to strong, with pinyin and when to use each one.
小气
stingy
Won't share their fries
抠门
tight-fisted
Splits the bill to the cent
小气鬼
miser (lit. stingy ghost)
"forgot" their wallet again
铁公鸡
cheapskate (lit. iron rooster)
You can't pluck a feather from iron
一毛不拔
won't give a cent (lit. won't pluck one hair)
The friend who never pays
Quick answers
- How do you say “cheapskate” in Chinese?
- The mildest way to say “cheapskate” in Chinese is 小气 (xiǎo qì), “stingy”. The strongest is 一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá), “won't give a cent (lit. won't pluck one hair)”. Here are all 5, ranked mild to strong, with pinyin and when to use each one.
- What is the mildest way to say “cheapskate” in Chinese?
- 小气 (xiǎo qì): stingy. Won't share their fries.
- What is the strongest way to say “cheapskate” in Chinese?
- 一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá): won't give a cent (lit. won't pluck one hair). The friend who never pays.
More ways to say it in Chinese
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