稍

• Pinyin: shāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 稍 = 禾 (grain) + 肖 (resemble, phonetic)

Meaning

Slightly; a little; somewhat.

An adverb indicating a small degree or brief moment. More formal than 有点 and often used with 等 (wait), as in 稍等 (please wait a moment). Can modify adjectives or verbs to indicate a slight degree.

Examples

1. 请稍等一下，我马上就来。 Please wait a moment — I'll be right there.
2. 今天的天气比昨天稍好一些。 Today's weather is slightly better than yesterday's.
3. 这件事稍有不慎就会出大问题。 The slightest carelessness with this matter could cause big problems.

Usage Guide

Context: polite speech, formal writing

Tone: polite

Do Say

• 请稍候，我去叫经理。(Please wait a moment, I'll go get the manager.)
• 这道菜稍咸了一点。(This dish is a little too salty.)

Don't Say

• 我稍不喜欢 — use 有点 for casual preferences; 稍 sounds awkward for feelings

Origin & History

The character contains 禾 (grain) and 肖 (similar), originally relating to grain tips, suggesting something small or slight.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal