稍微

• Pinyin: shāo wēi
• Hanzi breakdown: 稍 = 禾 (grain) + 肖 (phonetic); 微 = 彳+ 山 + 几 (tiny)

Meaning

Slightly; a little bit; somewhat.

A common adverb meaning 'slightly' or 'a bit,' more conversational than bare 稍. Used to soften requests or describe small differences. Can modify adjectives, verbs, or quantities. Very useful for polite suggestions.

Examples

1. 你能不能稍微说慢一点？我听不太清楚。 Could you speak a little slower? I can't hear clearly.
2. 这双鞋稍微有点大，有没有小一号的？ These shoes are slightly big — do you have them one size smaller?
3. 稍微休息一下再继续工作吧。 Take a short break before continuing to work.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, polite requests

Tone: moderate

Do Say

• 稍微等我一下。(Wait for me just a moment.)
• 能不能稍微便宜一点？(Could you make it a little cheaper?)

Don't Say

• 我稍微非常喜欢 — contradictory; 稍微 means 'slightly,' which conflicts with 非常 (very)

Origin & History

Compound of 稍 (slightly) + 微 (tiny/slight), both characters reinforcing the meaning of a small degree.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal