Chinese word

一点儿

Pronunciation

Pinyinyī diǎnr

Meaning

  • adverba little

Example

我有一点儿紧张。wǒ yǒu yì diǎnr jǐn zhāng

I am a little nervous.

Illustration for 一点儿 (a little)

More examples

这件衣服有一点儿贵。zhè jiàn yī fú yǒu yì diǎnr guì

This item of clothing is a little expensive.

Core concept

A tiny portion or a slight step on a scale of size, amount, or intensity.

Common phrases

  • 有一点儿yǒu yì diǎnr

    be a little ___

  • 慢一点儿màn yì diǎnr

    a little slower

  • 再等一点儿zài děng yì diǎnr

    wait a little longer

Similar words

有点儿yóu diǎnr: Shows that a feeling or state is only slightly present.
一点yì diǎn: Shows a small amount or degree, while counted objects usually take a measure word.

Definition in Chinese

表示少量或轻微的程度，可作副词置于动词或形容词前，也可单独指小量的东西或分量。biǎo shì shǎo liàng huò qīng wēi de chéng dù kě zuò fù cí zhì yú dòng cí huò xíng róng cí qián yě kě dān dú zhǐ xiǎo liàng de dōng xī huò fèn liàng

Word origin

The word 一点儿 (yīdiǎnér, "a little") grows from the idea of 一 (yī, "one") + 点 (diǎn, "point"), while 儿 (ér, "r-suffix") gives it a familiar spoken form.

Usage tips

  • For a counted object, a number and measure word usually give a clearer quantity than this general small-amount expression, although everyday Chinese also allows it with some nouns.

Other meanings

  • small amountnoun

Word lists with this word