HSK · Level 8
135 words
Chinese word
一点点
Pronunciation
Pinyinyī diǎn diǎn
Meaning
- adverba bit
Example
能等我一点点吗？néng děng wǒ yì dián diǎn ma
Can you wait for me a bit?
More examples
你能说慢一点点吗？nǐ néng shuō màn yì dián diǎn ma
Can you speak a little slower?
Core concept
A tiny amount or slight degree that softens the force of a statement.
Common phrases
说慢一点点shuō màn yì dián diǎn
speak a little slower
再等一点点zài děng yì dián diǎn
wait a little longer
Similar words
一点儿yì diǎnr: A very small amount or short time, expressed in a gentle conversational way.
有点儿yóu diǎnr: Shows that something is slightly so, often softening the tone of a statement.
稍微shāo wēi: Shows a very slight degree in a neutral or formal way.
Definition in Chinese
口语副词，用于缓和语气或表示数量、程度上的微小差异，可放在动词后或句中作程度补语，表示稍微、有一点。kóu yǔ fù cí yòng yú huǎn hé yǔ qì huò biǎo shì shù liàng chéng dù shàng de wēi xiǎo chā yì kě fàng zài dòng cí hòu huò jù zhōng zuò chéng dù bú yǔ biǎo shì shāo wēi yǒu yì diǎn
Word origin
一点点 (yīdiǎndiǎn, "a tiny bit") combines 一 (yī, "one") with repeated 点 (diǎn, "dot; small amount"), so the small repeated unit gives the word its meaning of a very small amount or degree.
Usage tips
- English often places "a bit" before the word it modifies, but Chinese can place this expression after a verb when the small degree belongs to the action.