What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 一 (one), 点 (dot/point) and the reduplication of 点 (dot/point), which literally means 'one little dot' or 'a tiny bit'.
Which one should you use?
While 一点 (yīdiǎn) also means 'a little bit', the reduplicated form 一点点 emphasizes a much smaller, more negligible amount. For comparison, 一些 (yī xiē) is used to mean 'some' or 'a few'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual conversation, you can use 有点儿 (yǒu diǎn er) to mean 'a little bit'. For formal contexts, particularly in written language, the term 少许 (shǎo xǔ) is used. 一点点 is also commonly used in informal conversations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
一点儿 (yī diǎn er) is a common way to express 'a little bit' in Chinese.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 有那么一点 (yǒu nàme yī diǎn) is a version that adds emphasis to the idea of 'a little bit'.
How do you pronounce it?
yīdiǎndiǎn
Did you know?
- In some contexts, 一点点 can be used as a playful or 'cutesy' way of speaking, known as 'sājiāo', to sound more endearing to a partner or parent.
- The character 点 (diǎn) is the same character used to represent 'o'clock' in time expressions, literally meaning 'the dot' of the hour.
- While 一点点 refers to a physical or abstract amount, the word 点 (diǎn) is also the character used for 'to order' food at a restaurant.
Examples in context
- 给我一点点就行。Just a little bit is enough for me.This example shows how to use 一点点 to indicate that a small amount is sufficient.Tatoeba #5153287 by musclegirlxyp, translation #5165013 by shibeilei
- 我只会说一点儿中文I can only speak a little bit of Chinese.
- 请您花少许时间填写这份问卷Please spend a little bit of time filling out this questionnaire.
- 我有点儿生气I am a little bit angry.
- 我只有一点点经验I only have a little bit of experience.
- 这个电影有那么一点儿无聊This movie is a little bit boring.
- 我只想买一点儿水果。I only want to buy a little bit of fruit.
- 这个菜有点儿辣。This dish is a little bit spicy.
- 我只有一点点时间。I only have a little bit of time.
- 你会说一点点汉语吗?Can you speak a little bit of Chinese?
- 我今天有一点点累。Wǒ jīntiān yǒu yīdiǎndiǎn lèi.I am a little bit tired today.
- 这件衣服有一点点贵。Zhè jiàn yīfú yǒu yīdiǎndiǎn guì.This piece of clothing is a little bit expensive.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about a new project at the office.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，这个项目难吗？Xiǎowén, zhège xiàngmù nán ma?Xiaowen, is this project difficult?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen有一点点难，但是没关系。Yǒu yīdiǎndiǎn nán, dànshì méiguānxì.It is a little bit difficult, but it is okay.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你需要我帮忙吗？Nǐ xūyào wǒ bāngmáng ma?Do you need my help?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen谢谢志强，我能搞定。Xièxiè Zhìqiáng, wǒ néng gǎodìng.Thanks Zhiqiang, I can handle it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
