Definitions

suǒ fragmentary; trifling

Etymology phono-semantic

jade

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "琐" derives from its traditional form "瑣", where the "玉" component points to an initial association with jade, specifically small carved pieces or beads, while the remainder served primarily a phonetic function. Its structural simplification involved replacing the complex right-hand element with "贝", a component often linked to objects of minor value, yet the character's essential conceptual anchor remained. Originally describing literal small jade ornaments, the term's application broadened over time to metaphorically denote things that are trifling, petty, or excessively detailed, a shift evident in its modern usage within words such as "琐事" for trivial tasks or "繁琐" implying tedious complexity.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这些事真烦人。

Zhèxiē suǒshì zhēn fánrén.

These trivial matters are really annoying.

生活中有很多碎的事情。

Shēnghuó zhōng yǒu hěnduō suǒsuì de shìqíng.

There are many trivial things in life.

不要为屑小事争吵。

Bùyào wèi suǒxiè xiǎoshì zhēngchǎo.

Don't argue over trivial matters.

这项工作非常繁

Zhè xiàng gōngzuò fēicháng fánsuǒ.

This work is very tedious.

她擅长处理日常务。

Tā shàncháng chǔlǐ rìcháng suǒwù.

She is good at handling daily trivial tasks.

经理被事缠身,无法专注。

Jīnglǐ bèi suǒshì chán shēn, wúfǎ zhuānzhù.

The manager is bogged down by trivial matters and cannot focus.

避免陷入碎的讨论中,要抓住重点。

Bìmiǎn xiànrù suǒsuì de tǎolùn zhōng, yào zhuāzhù zhòngdiǎn.

Avoid getting into trivial discussions and focus on the key points.

尽管这些屑之事看似微不足道,但积累起来却可能影响大局。

Jǐnguǎn zhèxiē suǒxiè zhī shì kàn sì wēi bù zú dào, dàn jīlěi qǐlái què kěnéng yǐngxiǎng dàjú.

Although these trivial things seem insignificant, they may affect the overall situation when accumulated.