xiǎo
standard
In pinyin "small" in Chinese is xiǎo, written 小 (xiǎo). Its opposite is dà, "big". It is also called xiǎoxiǎo.
Meaning: small (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Note |
|---|---|
| xiǎo | standard |
| xiǎoxiǎo | tiny |
In a sentence, xiǎo comes before the noun, as in xiǎo fángzi, "a small house". With hěn it also works as a predicate, so zhè ge hěn xiǎo means "this one is small".
Which one should you use?
In names xiǎo is put before a surname for a younger friend or coworker, such as Xiǎo Wáng. This is a friendly style, not a size.
How do you pronounce it?
The third tone dips low. Before another third tone it is said with a rise.
Did you know?
- Adding xiǎo to a word often makes it cute, as in xiǎogǒu for a puppy.
Examples in context
- Zhège fángjiān hěn xiǎo.This room is small.
- Wǒ yào xiǎo bēi de.I would like the small cup.
- Xiǎo Wáng, nǐ lái le!Xiao Wang, you are here!
Example conversation
Ying orders a coffee at a cafe from the barista Dan.
- DanNǐ yào dà bēi háishi xiǎo bēi?Do you want a large or a small cup?
- YingXiǎo bēi, xièxie.Small, thank you.
- DanHǎo de.OK.
