About

The Chinese word **计较** is a compound formed by combining two characters, each contributing to its overall meaning. The first character, **计 (jì)**, primarily means "to calculate" or "to plan," while the second, **较 (jiào)**, means "to compare" or "to dispute." When merged, the term literally conveys the act of "calculating and comparing," which semantically extends to denote being overly concerned with minor gains and losses, leading to meanings such as **haggling over, fussing about, or being petty**. The word thus captures a mindset of meticulous, often argumentative, scrutiny over trivial matters, blending the concrete actions of calculation and comparison into an abstract concept of nitpicking or contentiousness.

Word Definition - 计较

jì jiào to bother about; to haggle; to bicker; to argue; plan; stratagem

Individual Character Details