# 小心翼翼

xiǎo xīn yì yì

Act very carefully

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Be cautious and attentive

**Register:** Descriptive · general

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Describe careful handling or anxious restraint.

Can reflect fear as well as appropriate care.

## Understanding the expression

The expression gives a sense of deliberate, measured action in which each movement receives attention. It suits carrying a fragile object, approaching a sensitive topic, or avoiding a mistake. The caution can be practical or emotional. A child may speak carefully because adults react harshly, whereas a conservator handles pottery carefully because it is delicate. Context shows whether the care is healthy precision or an uncomfortable need to avoid trouble.

## Examples

她小心翼翼地捧起瓷碗。

tā xiǎo xīn yì yì dì pěng qǐ cí wǎn 。

She carefully lifted the porcelain bowl.

他小心翼翼地问起病情。

### Traditional Chinese

他小心翼翼地問起病情。

tā xiǎo xīn yì yì dì wèn qǐ bìng qíng 。

He cautiously asked about the illness.

孩子小心翼翼地走过冰面。

### Traditional Chinese

孩子小心翼翼地走過冰面。

hái zi xiǎo xīn yì yì dì zǒu guò bīng miàn 。

The child walked carefully over the ice.

我小心翼翼地拆开旧信。

### Traditional Chinese

我小心翼翼地拆開舊信。

wǒ xiǎo xīn yì yì dì chāi kāi jiù xìn 。

I carefully opened the old letter.

## 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%B0%8F%E5%BF%83%E7%BF%BC%E7%BF%BC)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=433&webMd=1&la=0)

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