小声

• Pinyin: xiǎo shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 小 = pictograph of small strokes; 声 = 士 (scholar) + 殳 (weapon), simplified from 聲 which included 耳 (ear)

Meaning

In a low voice; quietly. Describes speaking or making sounds softly.

Can function as an adverb (小声说 — speak quietly) or as an adjective (小声的 — quiet). The opposite is 大声 (dà shēng, loudly). Very practical in everyday situations such as libraries, hospitals, or when someone is sleeping. Often used as a gentle command: 小声点！(Keep it down!)

Examples

1. 图书馆里要小声说话。 You should speak quietly in the library.
2. 他小声地告诉我一个秘密。 He quietly told me a secret.
3. 请小声一点，孩子在睡觉。 Please be a bit quieter, the child is sleeping.

Usage Guide

Context: public places, reminders, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请小声说话，这里是医院。(Please speak quietly, this is a hospital.)
• 你能小声一点吗？(Can you be a bit quieter?)

Don't Say

• 他很小声地跑步 (Don't use 小声 for actions that don't produce voice or sound — 小声 is specifically about vocal volume; use 轻轻地 for doing something gently or softly)

Origin & History

小 (xiǎo, small) + 声 (shēng, sound/voice). Literally 'small sound' — speaking with a small, soft voice.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal