有点儿

• Pinyin: yǒu diǎnr
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = 'to have'; 点 = 'dot/a bit'; 儿 = erhua suffix common in northern speech

Meaning

A little; somewhat; slightly. Used before adjectives or verbs to indicate a small degree, often with a negative nuance.

Placed before adjectives or psychological verbs to mean 'a bit' or 'somewhat.' Important: 有点儿 usually carries a slightly negative or undesirable connotation — 有点儿冷 (a bit cold), 有点儿贵 (a bit expensive). For positive qualities, use 一点儿 after the adjective instead. The full form 有一点儿 is also used.

Examples

1. 今天有点儿冷，多穿点衣服。 It's a bit cold today — put on more clothes.
2. 这个题有点儿难。 This question is a little difficult.
3. 我有点儿饿了，想吃东西。 I'm a bit hungry — I want to eat something.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 我有点儿累了。(I'm a little tired.)
• 这件衣服有点儿小。(This piece of clothing is a bit small.)

Don't Say

• 她有点儿漂亮。(Don't use 有点儿 with positive adjectives — it implies dissatisfaction. Say 她很漂亮 or 她挺漂亮的 instead.)

Origin & History

Combination of 有 (to have) and 点儿 (a bit/dot), literally 'to have a bit' — indicating a small degree.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal