# 小巧玲珑

xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng

Small, delicate, and finely made

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Small and ingeniously exquisite

**Traditional Chinese:** 小巧玲瓏

**Register:** General · spoken & written

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

## When to use it

Admire a compact object with pleasing detail or workmanship.

Small size alone is not enough; some refinement is implied.

## The image & its use

A miniature box may fit easily in one hand while showing carefully joined parts and a graceful shape. This expression combines compact size with that refined quality. It often describes objects, models, ornaments, or a small structure. The admiration is directed at proportion and workmanship as much as at scale. Add a detail such as a neat hinge or delicate pattern to make the description concrete. For people, the phrase can be overly appearance-focused, so use it thoughtfully.

## Examples

这个木盒小巧玲珑，开合十分顺滑。

### Traditional Chinese

這個木盒小巧玲瓏，開合十分順滑。

zhè ge mù hé xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng ， kāi hé shí fēn shùn huá 。

The little wooden box is finely made and opens smoothly.

窗边摆着一座小巧玲珑的模型。

### Traditional Chinese

窗邊擺著一座小巧玲瓏的模型。

chuāng biān bǎi zhe yí zuò xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng de mó xíng 。

A delicate miniature model sits by the window.

这把茶壶小巧玲珑，纹样很精细。

### Traditional Chinese

這把茶壺小巧玲瓏，紋樣很精細。

zhè bǎ chá hú xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng ， wén yàng hěn jīng xì 。

The small teapot is exquisitely made with a fine pattern.

她喜欢收集小巧玲珑的书签。

### Traditional Chinese

她喜歡收集小巧玲瓏的書籤。

tā xǐ huan shōu jí xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng de shū qiān 。

She likes collecting small, delicately crafted bookmarks.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1280&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%B0%8F%E5%B7%A7%E7%8E%B2%E7%93%8F)

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