稍稍

• Pinyin: shāo shāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 稍 = 禾 + 肖 (slightly); reduplicated for mild emphasis

Meaning

Slightly; a little; somewhat. Indicates a small degree of change or difference.

Similar to 稍微 but often used in more literary or descriptive contexts. Conveys a gentle, subtle degree of modification. Frequently appears in written narrative, poetry, and formal description.

Examples

1. 她稍稍调整了一下坐姿，继续听讲。 She adjusted her sitting position slightly and continued listening.
2. 经过修改，报告质量稍稍有所提升。 After revisions, the quality of the report improved slightly.
3. 天气稍稍变凉，需要加一件外套。 The weather has turned a little cooler, so you’ll need an extra jacket.

Usage Guide

Context: descriptive writing, narrative, everyday

Tone: gentle

Do Say

• 他稍稍放慢了脚步，欣赏沿途的风景。(He slowed his pace slightly to enjoy the scenery along the way.)
• 这道菜口味稍稍偏咸，建议少加些酱油。(This dish is slightly on the salty side; I suggest adding less soy sauce.)

Don't Say

• 用稍稍形容很大的变化 — 稍稍 implies a tiny change; use 大幅 or 明显 for significant changes

Origin & History

稍 (slightly) reduplicated — reduplification emphasises the small degree

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal