諺語 · a single proverb

一yī毛máo不bù拔bá

yī máo bù bá

What does 一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá) mean?

一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "will not pull out a single hair." In use it means: Extreme stinginess. Not willing to give up even the smallest thing. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Metal note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Pig.

Literally: "will not pull out a single hair."

The reading

The philosopher Yang Zhu said he would not pluck a single hair from his body even if it would benefit the whole world. That is the theoretical version. The practical version is the person who will not buy the next round, will not lend a pen, will not share a cab. The hair is a metaphor. The tightness is real.

What kind of proverb it is

Source Mencius 孟子 (盡心上), discussing Yang Zhu 楊朱

Sits beside

一寸光陰一寸金

yī cùn guāng yīn yī cùn jīn

Time is as precious as gold.

一本萬利

yī běn wàn lì

A tiny investment yields an enormous return.

人為財死，鳥為食亡

rén wéi cái sǐ niǎo wéi shí wáng

The drive for material gain can be as fatal as any predator.

Keep reading

Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Wealth, Work & Diligence, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Pig, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.

Questions

Is 一毛不拔 a real Chinese proverb?

Yes. 一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Mencius 孟子 (盡心上), discussing Yang Zhu 楊朱. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.

How do you pronounce 一毛不拔?

In Mandarin it is yī máo bù bá. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 一毛不拔 aloud in Mandarin.