小题大做
Overreact
शाब्दिक अर्थ: Small theme, big do/make
Use this phrase to call out unnecessary drama or over-the-top reactions to minor inconveniences.
15 सेकंड में
- Used to describe making a big deal out of nothing.
- Commonly used to tease friends or criticize dramatic behavior.
- Originated from writing long essays on tiny topics.
मतलब
This phrase describes someone making a huge fuss over a tiny problem. It is like treating a paper cut like a life-threatening emergency.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Teasing a friend who is panicking over a broken nail
只是指甲断了，你别小题大做的。
It's just a broken nail, don't make such a big deal out of it.
In a meeting, discussing a minor formatting error
这点小事没必要小题大做。
There is no need to overreact to such a small matter.
Texting a partner who is upset about a late reply
我只是晚回了五分钟，你真是小题大做！
I'm only five minutes late replying, you're really overreacting!
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase originated from the Ming and Qing dynasty literary circles regarding the 'Eight-Legged Essay.' It highlights a historical tension between simple truths and overly complex bureaucratic or academic presentations. Today, it is a staple of modern C-dramas and daily gossip.
The 'Drama Queen' Tag
If you want to describe someone who is a constant drama queen, you can say they '喜欢小题大做' (like to make a big deal out of things).
Watch Your Tone
This phrase can sound dismissive. If someone is genuinely upset, saying this might start a bigger fight!
15 सेकंड में
- Used to describe making a big deal out of nothing.
- Commonly used to tease friends or criticize dramatic behavior.
- Originated from writing long essays on tiny topics.
What It Means
Imagine someone breaks a pencil and starts calling 911. That is exactly what 小题大做 (xiǎo tí dà zuò) feels like. It describes taking a minor issue and treating it with extreme importance. You are basically making a mountain out of a molehill. It suggests that the reaction is totally out of proportion.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a verb or a descriptive phrase. You can say someone is 小题大做. Or you can tell them 别小题大做了 (Don't overreact). It fits perfectly after the subject of your sentence. It is a great way to call out dramatic behavior. Just be careful, as it can sound a bit critical.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend cancels plans and you act like the world ended. Use it at work if a boss panics over a tiny typo. It is perfect for texting when someone sends ten paragraphs about a small mistake. It works well in casual debates or when teasing a dramatic sibling. It is the ultimate 'chill out' phrase for Chinese speakers.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it during a genuine crisis or tragedy. If someone is truly hurt, calling them 小题大做 is very rude. Avoid using it with high-ranking superiors unless you have a very close bond. It can sound dismissive of someone's feelings. If the problem is actually 'big,' this phrase will make you look insensitive.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes from the ancient imperial examination system in China. Sometimes, examiners gave a very simple, short topic (the 'small theme'). Students would then write massive, complex essays to show off (the 'big do'). Over time, it shifted from academic flair to describing unnecessary drama. It reflects the Chinese value of 'Zhongyong' or the Golden Mean—staying balanced.
Common Variations
You might hear 大惊小怪 (dà jīng xiǎo guài) which means being surprised by something normal. While similar, 小题大做 focuses more on the *action* taken. Another one is 没事找事, which means looking for trouble where there is none. But 小题大做 remains the most classic way to describe a drama queen.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
The phrase is highly versatile across all levels of formality. The key 'gotcha' is the emotional weight; it can be perceived as belittling someone's concerns if used without empathy.
The 'Drama Queen' Tag
If you want to describe someone who is a constant drama queen, you can say they '喜欢小题大做' (like to make a big deal out of things).
Watch Your Tone
This phrase can sound dismissive. If someone is genuinely upset, saying this might start a bigger fight!
The Essay Origin
Remember that 'ti' (题) means 'topic.' It’s a fun reminder that the phrase literally means 'taking a small topic and making a huge essay out of it.'
उदाहरण
6只是指甲断了，你别小题大做的。
It's just a broken nail, don't make such a big deal out of it.
A very common way to tell someone to calm down.
这点小事没必要小题大做。
There is no need to overreact to such a small matter.
Used to keep the team focused on bigger goals.
我只是晚回了五分钟，你真是小题大做！
I'm only five minutes late replying, you're really overreacting!
Can be a bit argumentative depending on the relationship.
他只是感冒了，不需要去医院，别小题大做。
He just has a cold, no need for the hospital; don't overdo it.
Showing a pragmatic attitude toward minor illness.
去公园你也带这么多东西？太小题大做了吧！
You're bringing this much to the park? That's a bit much, isn't it?
Lighthearted teasing about over-preparation.
现在想想，我当时确实有点小题大做。
Thinking back, I definitely overreacted a bit at the time.
Self-reflection using the idiom.
खुद को परखो
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence.
他因为弄丢了一支笔就大哭大闹，真是___。
Crying over a lost pen is a classic example of making a big deal out of a small issue.
How would you tell a friend not to overreact in Chinese?
别___了，没那么严重。
'别小题大做' is the standard way to say 'don't overreact'.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 小题大做
Teasing friends about drama.
你太小题大做了！
Discussing issues at work or home.
没必要小题大做。
In writing or news reports.
此事不应小题大做。
When to use 小题大做
Minor tech glitch
Calling IT because the mouse died.
Tiny social slight
Getting angry over a 'seen' message.
Small mistakes
Crying over a 95% test score.
Over-packing
Bringing 3 outfits for a 2-hour hike.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालIt can be. It implies the person is being irrational or dramatic, like saying 你太小题大做了 to someone who is complaining too much.
Not really. It almost always has a negative or teasing connotation regarding an unnecessary reaction.
You can use it as a verb phrase. For example: 这件事不值得小题大做 (This matter isn't worth making a fuss over).
大惊小怪 is about being shocked by something common, while 小题大做 is about taking excessive action or making a huge fuss.
Only if you have a very informal relationship. Otherwise, it might sound like you are telling them they are being unreasonable.
Yes, it is very common in family dramas or romantic comedies when characters are arguing over small things.
Yes! You can say 我是不是小题大做了？ (Am I overreacting?) to check yourself.
People might say 加戏 (jiā xì), which literally means 'adding extra scenes to a play,' to describe someone being a drama queen.
Usually it applies to behaviors or reactions to events, not the size of physical objects themselves.
Yes, it is a standard idiom (Chengyu) and is perfectly acceptable in newspapers or formal essays to criticize policy overreach.
संबंधित मुहावरे
大惊小怪
To make a fuss about something ordinary
没事找事
To look for trouble or create problems out of nothing
言过其实
To exaggerate the truth
小題大作
Traditional character version of the same phrase
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