Meaning and Usage
"毛病" (máobìng) literally combines "毛" (hair) and "病" (illness), but idiomatically it means "fault," "problem," or "defect." It is commonly used to describe physical malfunctions (like machines), personal shortcomings, or behavioral issues.
Common Contexts
- Mechanical or technical faults: e.g., "电脑有毛病" (the computer has a fault).
- Personal or behavioral problems: e.g., "工作态度有毛病" (work attitude has problems).
- Informal or colloquial criticism: e.g., "你说话有毛病吗？" (Is there something wrong with how you speak?).
Collocations and Patterns
- 有毛病 (have a fault/problem): the most frequent pattern.
- 出毛病 (develop a fault): used when something starts malfunctioning.
- 没毛病 (no problem): colloquial phrase meaning "no fault" or "perfect."
Nuances
"毛病" can be used both for tangible faults (machines, objects) and intangible ones (attitudes, habits). It often carries a slightly negative or critical tone, especially when referring to people. Avoid using it in very formal contexts.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "毛病" with "病" alone, which strictly means "illness" or "disease." "毛病" extends the meaning to faults and problems beyond health issues.