Meaning and Usage
"马虎" (mǎ hu) is an adjective used to describe someone or something as careless, sloppy, or not paying enough attention to detail. It often implies a negative judgment about the quality or thoroughness of an action.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to criticize work, study habits, or any task that requires careful attention. For example, "做事马虎" means doing things carelessly.
Collocations and Patterns
Nuances
Using "马虎" often implies that the person should be more responsible or attentive. It is informal and common in spoken Chinese. Avoid using it in very formal writing.
Common Confusion
"马虎" should not be confused with "粗心" (cū xīn), which also means careless but can sometimes be less harsh. "马虎" often carries a stronger sense of negligence or sloppiness.