nhỏ
[ɲɔ˧˩]
The English word "little" is translated into Vietnamese as nhỏ.
nhỏ is an adjective used to describe something that is small in physical size.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While nhỏ describes physical size, you should use ít when referring to a small quantity or amount of something. You may also use the synonym bé to describe size, but bé is often used more affectionately or to describe children and small animals. For an informal slang alternative meaning "a little bit" or "tiny", you can use xíu.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the comparative form "smaller", add hơn after the word to get nhỏ hơn.
Did you know?
- The Vietnamese word nhỏ can also be used as a verb meaning 'to drip'.
- In Vietnamese, the word nhỏ can be used as a nickname or a casual way to address a younger female friend.
- The informal word xíu is often doubled as xíu xíu to emphasize that something is extremely tiny.
Examples in context
- Một cái burger nhỏ.A little bigger.This sentence shows the use of nhỏ to describe size.Tatoeba #14034883 by nhuttan2004, translation #14014912 by haomakk
- Tôi có một vấn đề nhỏ.I've got a little problem.This sentence shows the use of nhỏ to describe a problem.Tatoeba #5161395 by truongap, translation #2199793 by Hybrid
- Tôi và Tom sẽ nói một câu chuyện nhỏ.I'm going to have a little talk with Tom.This sentence shows the use of nhỏ to describe a talk.Tatoeba #3486714 by tucm, translation #2538540 by CK
- Cô ấy có gương mặt xinh xắn và nhỏ nhắn.She has a beautiful and petite face.
- Chúc mừng sinh nhật bé yêu!Happy birthday, little one!
- Mình đi xem phim xíu rồi đi ăn tối nhé?Let's go watch a movie for a little bit and then have dinner, okay?
- Em mang cái ví bé bỏng này đi, đỡ rườm rà.Take this cute little wallet with you, it's less bulky.
- con mèo nhỏA little cat
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hương and Hùng are looking at a puppy in a pet shop.
- HươngCon chó này nhỏ quá!This dog is so little!
- HùngỪ, nó thật dễ thương.Yes, it is really cute.
- HươngHùng có muốn mua nó không?Do you want to buy it, Hùng?
- HùngNhà tôi nhỏ, không nuôi được.My house is little, I can't keep it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries nhỏ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
