小
small; briefly; slightly; youngest; humble term; concubine; surname
Meanings
9 senses · 39 examplesadjective
small; minor; lesser in size/amount
Most common usage, used to describe physical size, quantity, or degree, opposite of 大 (dà).
This small river is lined with wildflowers.
This small table is perfect for the bedroom.
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This room is too small to fit a wardrobe.
My shoes are too small, they pinch my feet.
The teacher's voice is too quiet, the back row students can't hear clearly.
adverb
for a short time; briefly
literaryUsed with verbs to indicate a temporary, brief stay or action, often in literary or polite speech.
I just want to sit here briefly before leaving.
We can stay at this homestay for a few days to experience local life.
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He rested for a moment before continuing his journey.
I want to have a quick drink before going home.
Let's briefly talk about tomorrow's meeting schedule.
adverb
slightly; a little
Used before verbs or adjectives to indicate a small degree of an action or quality.
He is slightly famous in the industry, many people know his works.
After taking office, the new manager showed his skills slightly and solved the company's old problems.
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This cake is a little too sweet, I don't really like it.
He knows a little Japanese and can communicate simply.
This plan has some minor flaws and needs further adjustment.
adverb
nearly; almost; just under
neutralUsed with numbers to indicate an amount that is slightly less than the stated figure.
It's nearly 200 kilometers from here to the airport.
He has been compiling dictionaries for nearly thirty years.
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This project cost nearly one million yuan in budget.
He has worked at this company for nearly five years.
This concert attracted nearly 5,000 audience members.
adjective
youngest; youngest in the family
Used to refer to the youngest child in a family, often followed by a family relationship term.
He is the youngest son in the family and is most loved by his parents.
My younger brother is only three years old this year.
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She is the youngest daughter in the family, and everyone takes good care of her.
He is the youngest in our class, and everyone likes him very much.
The youngest daughter of this family is very smart and quick-witted.
noun
young person; child
Used to refer to both children and younger family members, often paired with 老 (lǎo, elderly) to refer to all family members.
All members of my family, young and old, fully support your decision.
Families in this village with both elderly and young members received help.
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The school organized both older and younger students to participate in the tree planting activity.
This restaurant is suitable for the whole family to have a meal together.
This welfare home has adopted many homeless children of all ages.
noun
concubine
archaicAn archaic and now rarely used term referring to a secondary wife in traditional Chinese families.
In ancient times, some wealthy families would take concubines to take care of the household.
This historical drama depicts the scene of a wealthy family taking a concubine.
interjection/modifier
humble term; self-deprecating
honorificUsed in formal or polite speech to show modesty when referring to oneself, one's family members, or one's own belongings.
I am not very talented, please forgive me for making you laugh.
This is my youngest daughter, she just started college this year.
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The dishes in our small shop are all home-style flavors, welcome to taste them.
I am not very knowledgeable, please give me more advice.
This is a small token of my gratitude, please accept it.
proper noun
surname Xiao
A relatively common Chinese surname.
My teacher's surname is Xiao, everyone can call her Teacher Xiao.
Mr. Xiao is the new manager of our company.