Definition
不拘小节 is a four-character set phrase (成语) meaning 'not bothered by small matters' or 'not fussy about trivial details'. It describes a person who focuses on the big picture and doesn't let minor formalities or etiquette get in the way. The phrase has a slightly positive connotation — it suggests someone is easygoing, broad-minded, and not petty — but can also carry a mild criticism if the person is seen as careless about important social norms. You can use it to describe a friend, a leader, or an artist who doesn't sweat the small stuff.
f.e.
not bothered by trivial mattersnot fussy about minor detailseasygoing and broad-minded
Examples
- 不拘小节，。Tā zhège rén bú, cónglái bú zàihu biérén zěnme kàn tā.He's the kind of person who doesn't sweat the small stuff and never cares what others think of him.
- 不拘小节，。Yìshùjiā wǎngwǎng bú, gèng zhùzhòng zhěngtǐ de gǎnjué.Artists are often not bothered by trivial details and focus more on the overall feeling.
- 不拘小节，。Suīrán bú, dàn tā zài dà shì shàng cóng bù hánhu.Although he doesn't fuss over small matters, he never wavers on important things.
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