少少
siu2 siu2
In Cantonese, "a little bit" is expressed as 少少 (siu2 siu2).
少少 is used to denote a small amount or quantity. It can also function as an adverb to modify an adjective, such as indicating that something is "a little bit" more or less than another state.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is formed by doubling the adjective 少 (siu2), which means "few" or "little".
Which one should you use?
While 少少, 一點點 and 少少啲 all mean "a little bit", they differ in nuance and register. 少少啲 is an informal variation of the phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to refer to an unspecified amount of "stuff" or "things" in a general sense, you can add the particle 嘢 after 少少 to form 少少嘢.
How do you pronounce it?
siu2 siu2
Did you know?
- While 少少 refers to a small quantity, Cantonese speakers use a completely different word, 細, to describe a 'little' object in terms of physical size.
- A speaker might use 少少 to downplay their own achievements or efforts, a common cultural way to show modesty.
- The phrase 少少嘢 is often used as a vague euphemism to describe a problem or a 'little something' that has gone wrong without naming the specific issue.
Examples in context
- 我只係想食少少。ngo5 zi2 hai6 soeng2 sik6 siu2 siu2.I only want to eat a little bit.
- 聽日會落少少雨。ting1 jat6 wui5 lok6 siu2 siu2 jyu5.It will rain a little bit tomorrow.
- 呢件衫貴咗少少。ni1 gin6 saam1 gwai3 zo2 siu2 siu2.This piece of clothing is a little bit more expensive.
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Mei Ling asks Zhi Keung about his food.
- 美玲 Mei Ling志強，你份飯食咗幾多？zi3 koeng4, nei5 fan6 sik6 zo2 gei2 do1?Zhi Keung, how much of your rice have you eaten?
- 志強 Chi Keung我食咗少少。ngo5 sik6 zo2 siu2 siu2.I ate a little bit.
- 美玲 Mei Ling仲有冇嘢想食？zung6 jau5 mou5 je5 soeng2 sik6?Is there anything else you want to eat?
- 志強 Chi Keung唔使呀，我好飽。m4 sai2 aa3, ngo5 hou2 baau2.No thanks, I am very full.
