一不小心

yībùxiǎoxīn

phrase HSK 7-9 #16,894

Meanings

Literally 'once not careful' — the moment you let your guard down.

我一不小心把杯子摔碎了。

Wǒ yībùxiǎoxīn bǎ bēizi shuāi suì le.

I accidentally broke the cup.

她一不小心说错了话。

Tā yībùxiǎoxīn shuō cuò le huà.

She carelessly said the wrong thing.

一不小心就会迷路。

Yībùxiǎoxīn jiù huì mílù.

If you're not careful, you'll get lost.

grammar

Usually placed before the main verb phrase. Often paired with 就: 一不小心就… (if not careful, then…).

一 yī

不 bù

小 xiǎo

心 xīn