小于

• Pinyin: xiǎo yú
• Hanzi breakdown: 小 = depicts something small; 于 = an ancient character meaning 'in' or 'than,' used for comparisons

Meaning

Less than; smaller than. A mathematical or comparative term indicating a lesser quantity.

Primarily used in mathematical, scientific, or statistical contexts. The opposite is 大于 (greater than). In writing, often represented by the symbol <. Also used for non-numerical comparisons in formal contexts.

Examples

1. 今天的最高气温将小于二十度，记得多穿点衣服。 Today's high temperature will be less than 20 degrees; remember to dress warmly.
2. 如果数值小于零，程序会自动报错。 If the value is less than zero, the program will automatically report an error.
3. 参加这个项目的人数不应小于十人。 The number of people participating in this project should not be fewer than ten.

Usage Guide

Context: mathematics, science, statistics, technical

Tone: precise

Do Say

• 三小于五。(Three is less than five.)
• 误差应小于百分之一。(The error should be less than one percent.)

Don't Say

• 我小于他高兴 — 情绪不用'小于'比较，应该说'我没有他那么高兴'

Origin & History

Compound of 小 (small, little) + 于 (than, in comparison to). A formal comparative construction from classical Chinese.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal