指手画脚

zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Uncommon

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Definitions

1. to gesticulate while talking (idiom)
2. to explain by waving one's hands
3. to criticize or give orders summarily

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Word relationships

Related words

2 items

• 指指点点 zhǐ zhǐ diǎn diǎn 指指点点 zhǐ zhǐ diǎn diǎn to gesticulate Both involve pointing fingers and criticizing, but 指指点点 focuses more on gesturing of blame.: to gesticulate
• 动手动脚 dòng shǒu dòng jiǎo 动手动脚 dòng shǒu dòng jiǎo to come to blows Refers to touching or groping inappropriately, a behavioral idiom with similar structure.: to come to blows

Synonyms

1 item

• 评头论足 píng tóu lùn zú 评头论足 píng tóu lùn zú lit. to assess the head and discuss the feet (idiom); minute criticism of a woman's appearance Both mean to criticize someone in a nitpicking or arrogant manner.: lit. to assess the head and discuss the feet (idiom); minute criticism of a woman's appearance

Usage notes

Collocations

Often used with 对 (duì) to specify who is being criticized or ordered: 对别人指手画脚 (duì biérén zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo).

Formality

Considered somewhat informal and often used in critical or negative contexts, such as to describe someone meddling or bossing others around.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他总是喜欢对别人的工作 指手画脚 。

He always likes to criticize other people's work.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 指手画脚

• 手 手 shǒu: hand
• 指 指 zhǐ: finger
• 脚 脚 jiǎo: foot
• 画 画 huà: to draw