Chinese Idiom: 九牛一毛 (Jiu Niu Yi Mao)
English Translation: Nine Oxen, One Hair
pīn yīn: jiǔ niú yī máo
Idiom Meaning: Refers to something extremely trivial or insignificant, a very minor detail.
Historical Source: Report to Ren Shaoqing (报任少卿书) by Sima Qian
Idiom Story: The idiom “九牛一毛” (jiǔ niú yī máo) is derived from a letter written by Sima Qian, a prominent historian of the Western Han Dynasty. In his letter to his close friend Ren An (字少卿), Sima Qian discusses his personal misfortunes and the harsh treatment he received after being implicated in the “Li Ling Incident.”
Sima Qian had been a victim of political intrigue and was subjected to severe punishment, including castration, due to his defense of General Li Ling, who had surrendered to the Xiongnu. Sima Qian’s letter to Ren An outlines the situation, expressing his disillusionment with the corruption of the ruling class and his own suffering.
In his letter, Sima Qian recounts the bravery of Li Ling and the extreme circumstances faced by Li’s troops, who fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. Despite Li Ling’s surrender, Sima Qian emphasized his heroism and the tragic nature of his fate. Sima Qian himself had been punished harshly, and he wrote:
“My ancestors did not achieve notable feats to warrant exemption from punishment. If I am to face execution, it would be as insignificant as losing one hair from a herd of nine oxen, no different from the death of an ant.”
This phrase, “若九牛亡一毛” (like losing one hair from nine oxen), was later condensed into the idiom “九牛一毛.” It metaphorically expresses how a small loss or insignificant detail is negligible compared to a much larger whole, highlighting its triviality and minimal impact.
