差一点
chà yīdiǎn
The English phrase "nice try" can be translated into Chinese as 差一点 (chà yīdiǎn).
差一点 is used to express that someone almost succeeded but fell just short of the goal.
Meaning: Translations (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "short a little bit."
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'nice try' which can be used sarcastically to mock a failed attempt, 差一点 is generally a neutral or sympathetic observation of a near-miss.
How do you pronounce it?
chà yīdiǎn
Did you know?
- To express the sarcastic version of 'nice try' that 差一点 avoids, a speaker might use 想得美, which literally means 'you dream beautifully'.
- In Chinese, 差一点 can be used to describe a disaster that almost happened, such as almost getting into a car accident. In these cases, the phrase expresses relief rather than a 'nice try'.
- Because 差 can also mean 'to be low in quality', using this phrase in a professional setting requires careful tone to ensure you are describing a 'near miss' rather than calling the person's work 'substandard'.
Examples in context
- 很好的尝试！下次继续努力！Nice try! Keep up the good work next time!
- 差一点就成功了。Chà yīdiǎn jiù chénggōng le.You were almost successful.
- 真可惜，差一点点。Zhēn kěxī, chà yīdiǎndiǎn.What a pity, so close.
Example conversation
Xiao Wen and Hao Ran are playing a game.
- 浩然 Haoran我以为这次我赢了！Wǒ yǐwéi zhè cì wǒ yíng le!I thought I won this time!
- 晓雯 Xiaowen差一点，但还没赢。Chà yīdiǎn, dàn hái méi yíng.Nice try, but you haven't won yet.
- 浩然 Haoran下次我一定会赢。Xià cì wǒ yīdìng huì yíng.I will definitely win next time.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我们再试一次吧。Wǒmen zài shì yī cì ba.Let's try one more time.
