# 千里鹅毛

qiān lǐ é máo

A small gift carrying deep affection

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A goose feather from a thousand miles away

**Traditional Chinese:** 千里鵝毛

**Register:** Formal · literary

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Appreciate thought and effort behind a modest gift.

Not an excuse to dismiss the recipient’s needs.

## Understanding the expression

A feather has little material value, but sending it over a great distance can carry considerable feeling. The expression values thought, care, and connection more than the price of a gift. It suits a modest souvenir or handmade token from someone far away. The image is affectionate rather than apologetic. A small gift becomes meaningful through its relationship to the giver and recipient, not simply because every inexpensive object must be appreciated equally.

## Examples

这张手绘卡片是千里鹅毛，情意很重。

### Traditional Chinese

這張手繪卡片是千里鵝毛，情意很重。

zhè zhāng shǒu huì kǎ piàn shì qiān lǐ é máo ， qíng yì hěn zhòng 。

This hand-drawn card is a modest gift carrying deep affection.

远方朋友寄来茶叶，算是千里鹅毛。

### Traditional Chinese

遠方朋友寄來茶葉，算是千里鵝毛。

yuǎn fāng péng yǒu jì lái chá yè ， suàn shì qiān lǐ é máo 。

The tea sent by a distant friend is a small gift with heartfelt meaning.

礼物不贵，却是千里鹅毛。

### Traditional Chinese

禮物不貴，卻是千里鵝毛。

lǐ wù bú guì ， què shì qiān lǐ é máo 。

The gift is inexpensive but full of thought and affection.

她珍藏这份千里鹅毛般的小礼物。

### Traditional Chinese

她珍藏這份千里鵝毛般的小禮物。

tā zhēn cáng zhè fèn qiān lǐ é máo bān de xiǎo lǐ wù 。

She treasures this modest but heartfelt gift.

## 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=%E5%8D%83%E9%87%8C%E9%B5%9D%E6%AF%9B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1004&webMd=1&la=0)

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