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斤斤计较

jīn jīn jì jiào

to fuss over every ounce

Character by character

斤jīn
scrutinise
斤jīn
scrutinise
计jì
count
较jiào
compare

Example

朋友之间不要斤斤计较。
Friends shouldn't keep score over every little thing.

Tone: negative (criticism).

Usage and origin

Takes 跟…斤斤计较 or 在…上斤斤计较; a common reproach among friends, family and colleagues.

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