一點兒 / 一点儿
yīdiǎnr
The English phrase 'a little' can be translated into Chinese using several forms, most commonly 一點兒 / 一点儿 (yīdiǎnr). Wiktionary also lists 一點 / 一点 (yīdiǎn) and 有點 / 有点 (yǒudiǎn).
Meaning: to a small extent or degree (adv)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 一點兒 / 一点儿 | yīdiǎnr |
| 一點 / 一点 | yīdiǎn |
| 有點 / 有点 | yǒudiǎn |
These terms are used to express a small extent or degree.
Which one should you use?
Use 一點兒 / 一点儿 after a verb to indicate degree, or after a comparative adjective to mean 'a little bit more'. In contrast, use 有點 / 有点 before an adjective to express a negative or undesirable quality, such as saying something is 'a little too expensive' or 'a little tired'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form with the 'r' sound at the end, 一點兒 / 一点儿, is characteristic of Northern Chinese dialects, particularly in Beijing.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'a little bit more', 一點兒 / 一点儿 follows the adjective, such as in the phrase 好一點兒 (a little better). However, when using 有點 / 有点 to mean 'a little bit', it precedes the adjective, as seen in 有點貴 (a little expensive).
How do you pronounce it?
yīdiǎnr
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, speakers often double the word to 一點點 (yī diǎn diǎn) to emphasize a tiny amount or to sound more cute and endearing.
- The character 點 / 点 used in these phrases literally means 'dot' or 'small spot', imagining a small amount as a single tiny speck.
- The 'r' sound in 一點兒 is part of the 'Erhua' phenomenon, a linguistic marker so strong that it can make a Northern speaker sound foreign to someone from Southern China.
Examples in context
- 我会一点儿中文。(wǒ huì yī diǎnr zhōngwén)I can speak a little Chinese.
- 请给我一点儿时间。(qǐng gěi wǒ yī diǎnr shíjiān)Please give me a little time.
- 这个菜有一点儿辣。(zhè gè cài yǒu yī diǎnr là)This dish is a little spicy.
- 她有点儿累了。(tā yǒu diǎnr lèi le)She's a little tired.
- 这件衣服有点贵。(zhè jiàn yīfu yǒu diǎnr guì)This clothing is a bit expensive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “a little” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
