小

• Pinyin: xiǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 小 = pictograph of three small strokes representing something tiny or divided

Meaning

Small; little; young. Describes something of lesser size, amount, or age.

One of the most basic adjectives in Chinese. Used to describe physical size, age, quantity, and degree. Also used as a prefix before surnames to create informal nicknames for younger people: 小王, 小李. The opposite of 大 (big).

Examples

1. 这个房间太小了。 This room is too small.
2. 她有一只小猫。 She has a little cat.
3. 小王是我的同学。 Xiao Wang is my classmate.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这双鞋太小了。(These shoes are too small.)
• 小李，过来一下。(Xiao Li, come here a moment.)

Don't Say

• 对年长的人说'小张'。(Don't use 小 + surname for older or senior people — it's only appropriate for younger people or peers)

Origin & History

A pictographic character showing three small dots or strokes, representing something being divided into small parts.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal