เล็กน้อย
lek noi
The English phrase "little" is translated into Thai as เล็กน้อย (lek noi).
เล็กน้อย is used to mean "a little" or "slightly." It is frequently used as an adverb to modify verbs or adjectives to indicate a slight degree or amount.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of เล็ก (lek), meaning small and น้อย (noi), meaning little or few.
Which one should you use?
While เล็กน้อย is the standard form, the related word น้อย can be used on its own as a determiner meaning "small amount" or as an adverb meaning "not much."
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
lek noi
Did you know?
- In Thai-style measurements, expressing a 'little' can be done through physical gestures, such as pinching your thumb and index finger together.
- The word น้อย (noi) can be used as a name or a nickname in Thailand, often given to children to imply they are 'small' or 'precious'.
- The phrase เล็กน้อย can be used to politely downplay a favor you have done for someone, similar to saying 'it was nothing' in English.
Examples in context
- ทอมช่วยเล็กน้อยTom helped a little.This sentence shows how to use เล็กน้อย to describe the amount of help.Tatoeba #8722749 by pastelite, translation #2647512 by CK
- ใส่น้ำตาลอีกเล็กน้อยPut in a little more sugar.This sentence shows how to use เล็กน้อย to indicate a small additional amount of sugar.Tatoeba #8717404 by pastelite, translation #31266 by CK
- ผมมีน้ำหนักขึ้นเล็กน้อยI've put on a little weight.This sentence shows how to use เล็กน้อย to describe a slight change in weight.Tatoeba #10567666 by Somsak, translation #8345056 by CK
- ฉันมีเพื่อนน้อยI have few friends.
- เขามีความรู้เล็กน้อยเท่านั้นHe has very little knowledge.
- ใช้เวลาเล็กน้อยTake a little time.
- จ่ายเงินช้านิดหน่อยPay a little late.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nicha and Thanakrit are discussing a small change to a project.
- ณิชา Nichaช่วยแก้ตรงนี้เล็กน้อยได้ไหมคะchuai gae trong nee lek noi dai mai khaCould you please fix this part a little bit?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritได้ครับ ต้องแก้ตรงไหนครับdai krap tong gae trong nai krapYes, I can. Which part needs fixing?
- ณิชา Nichaเปลี่ยนสีตัวอักษรเล็กน้อยค่ะplian see tua ak-son lek noi khaChange the font color a little bit.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritเข้าใจแล้วครับ เดี๋ยวผมจัดการให้khao jai laew krap diao phom jat kan haiI understand. I'll handle it for you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
