size; seniority; everyone; at any rate
Meanings
4 senses · 12 examplesnoun
size; magnitude; dimension
Often used with 儿 as 大小儿. Used to describe the dimensions or scale of objects.
These shoes fit me perfectly in size.
These two boxes are about the same size.
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Can you see if this size is appropriate?
noun
seniority in family or hierarchy; order of age
Refers to the relative status between elders and juniors. Often used in set phrases like 不分大小.
regardless of seniority; making no distinction of rank
He speaks without proper respect for seniority and has offended his elders.
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Here we don't consider seniority, only ability.
noun
adults and children; the whole family; everyone
Refers to all members of a family regardless of age. Often used with 全家 or in the AABB form 大大小小.
the whole family of five people
six people including both adults and children
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This gift is for the whole family.
adverb
at any rate; after all; to some extent (often implying 'small but still considerable')
informalUsed to indicate that something is still significant or worthy of consideration, despite being small or modest. Often used with 是.
He is a cadre at any rate (even if a small one).
It's still a business deal after all.
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It's a car at any rate, which is better than walking.