# 九牛一毛

jiǔ niú yī máo

A negligible fraction of a vast whole

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** One hair from nine oxen

**Register:** Comparative · general

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Describe a very small amount by comparison.

Small relative size does not mean no personal value.

## Understanding the expression

An ox has many hairs, and nine oxen make one hair seem smaller still. The expression compares an amount with a much larger total. Modern use often concerns money, resources, or effort that is tiny relative to what someone has or what a task requires. The reference total matters. A sum negligible to a wealthy person may be substantial to someone else, so the phrase should not erase differences in people's actual circumstances.

## Examples

这点费用对他只是九牛一毛。

### Traditional Chinese

這點費用對他只是九牛一毛。

zhè diǎn fèi yòng duì tā zhǐ shì jiǔ niú yī máo 。

This expense is tiny compared with his resources.

我们的资料只是九牛一毛。

### Traditional Chinese

我們的資料只是九牛一毛。

wǒ men de zī liào zhǐ shì jiǔ niú yī máo 。

Our material is only a tiny fraction of the whole.

这笔钱对富翁是九牛一毛。

### Traditional Chinese

這筆錢對富翁是九牛一毛。

zhè bǐ qián duì fù wēng shì jiǔ niú yī máo 。

This money is negligible to the wealthy person.

别把别人的积蓄说成九牛一毛。

### Traditional Chinese

別把別人的積蓄說成九牛一毛。

bié bǎ bié rén de jī xù shuō chéng jiǔ niú yī máo 。

Do not dismiss another person's savings as negligible.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B9%9D%E7%89%9B%E4%B8%80%E6%AF%9B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=343&webMd=1&la=0)

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