Chinese word

稍微

Pronunciation

Pinyinshāo wēi

Meaning

  • adverba little

Example

你可以把音量稍微调小吗？nǐ ké yǐ bǎ yīn liàng shāo wēi tiáo xiǎo ma

Can you turn the volume down a little?

Illustration for 稍微 (a little)

More examples

这个计划需要稍微调整时间安排。zhè ge jì huà xū yào shāo wēi tiáo zhěng shí jiān ān pái

This plan needs its schedule adjusted a little.

Core concept

A narrow step away from the current level, with the effect kept mild.

Common phrases

  • 稍微调整shāo wēi tiáo zhěng

    adjust a little

  • 稍微改变shāo wēi gǎi biàn

    change a little

Similar words

有点儿yóu diǎnr: Describes a small degree or amount that is often felt as a little undesirable.
一点儿yì diǎnr: Describes a small amount or degree in a simple, conversational way.

Definition in Chinese

表示程度上的小幅度变化，表示影响不大、数量或程度仅为一点。biǎo shì chéng dù shàng de xiǎo fú dù biàn huà biǎo shì yíng xiǎng bú dà shù liàng huò chéng dù jǐn wèi yì diǎn

Word origin

The compound 稍微 (shāowēi, "slightly") brings together 稍 (shāo, "a little") and 微 (wēi, "very small"), so its form points to a change that remains minor.

Usage tips

  • In English, "a bit" can sometimes suggest that something is undesirable, but this Chinese adverb is generally neutral and can soften a practical request without expressing criticism.

Other meanings

  • slightlyadverb

Opposites

  • 大大地dà dà dìconsiderablyadverb

Word lists with this word