# How to say “cheapskate” in Chinese

> The mildest way to say “cheapskate” in Chinese is 小气 (xiǎo qì), “stingy”. The strongest is 一毛不拔 (yī máo bù bá), “won't give a cent (lit. won't pluck one hair)”. Here are all 5, ranked mild to strong, with pinyin and when to use each one.

Source: https://lanlanchinese.com/how-to-say/cheapskate-in-chinese (updated 2026-10-18)

1. **小气** (xiǎo qì) (strength 1/5): stingy. Won't share their fries.
2. **抠门** (kōu mén) (strength 2/5): tight-fisted. Splits the bill to the cent.
3. **小气鬼** (xiǎo qì guǐ) (strength 3/5): miser (lit. stingy ghost). "forgot" their wallet again.
4. **铁公鸡** (tiě gōng jī) (strength 4/5): cheapskate (lit. iron rooster). You can't pluck a feather from iron.
5. **一毛不拔** (yī máo bù bá) (strength 5/5): won't give a cent (lit. won't pluck one hair). The friend who never pays.

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