小于
xiǎoyú
In Chinese, 'less than' is translated as 小于 (xiǎoyú).
The phrase is used to indicate that one number or amount is smaller than another.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 小于 is composed of 小, meaning small and 于, meaning than or at, literally translating to 'smaller than'.
Which one should you use?
While 小于 is used specifically for mathematical inequalities, such as x < 5, the phrase 少于 is more common when discussing a deficiency in quantity or amount. Additionally, 不到 is a common way to express 'less than' when referring to time, age or measurements that have not yet reached a certain threshold.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 少于 is used in formal written contexts to describe quantities or amounts that are less than a certain number, and 低于 is used in formal, academic or professional contexts to compare values or quantities.
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎoyú
Did you know?
- In ancient Chinese texts, comparisons like 'less than' were often expressed using the word 不若, which translates more closely to 'not as good as'.
- When talking about temperature or altitude, Chinese switches from 小于 to 低于, where 低 specifically means 'low' rather than 'small'.
- In casual conversation, people often avoid 小于 and instead use 不到 (not reaching) to emphasize that a limit was almost hit but not quite.
Examples in context
- 李先生的年龄少于五十岁。Mr. Li is less than fifty years old.
- 公司的利润低于预期。The company's profit is lower than expected.
- 他的身高不到一米八。His height is less than 1.8 meters.
- 这个数字小于一百。Zhège shùzì xiǎoyú yìbǎi.This number is less than one hundred.
Example conversation
Haoran and Yuting are discussing the requirements for a club application.
- 浩然 Haoran年龄要求是多少？Niánlíng yāoqiú shì duōshǎo?What is the age requirement?
- 雨婷 Yuting年龄必须小于十八岁。Niánlíng bìxū xiǎoyú shíbā suì.The age must be less than eighteen.
- 浩然 Haoran那我符合条件。Nà wǒ fúhé tiáojiàn.Then I meet the criteria.
- 雨婷 Yuting是的，你可以申请。Shì de, nǐ kěyǐ shēnqǐng.Yes, you can apply.
