How do you use "small" in a sentence?

We live in a small flat in the city centre. It's just a small matter - nothing to worry about. Could I have a small coffee, please?

small

Q: What does "small" mean?

Of limited size or extent; minor in importance 'Small' indicates limited size, amount, or importance. Unlike 'little' (often emotional/affectionate), 'small' is more neutral and factual. It can describe physical size, quantities ('a small number'), or significance ('a small problem'). 'Small talk' means light conversation. 'Small hours' refers to early morning.

Vocabulary Word BritishAmerican ★★★★★ Very Common Neutral

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Meaning: Of limited size or extent; minor in importance

小的，少量的

pequeño, menor

小さい、少ない

작은, 적은

'Small' indicates limited size, amount, or importance. Unlike 'little' (often emotional/affectionate), 'small' is more neutral and factual. It can describe physical size, quantities ('a small number'), or significance ('a small problem'). 'Small talk' means light conversation. 'Small hours' refers to early morning.

「small」表示有限的大小、数量或重要性。与「little」（通常带有情感/亲昵色彩）不同，「small」更中性、更客观。它可以描述物理大小、数量（「a small number」）或重要性（「a small problem」）。「small talk」指闲聊。「small hours」指凌晨。

«Small» indica tamaño, cantidad o importancia limitados. A diferencia de «little» (a menudo emocional/afectuoso), «small» es más neutral y objetivo. Puede describir tamaño físico, cantidades («a small number») o importancia («a small problem»). «Small talk» significa conversación ligera. «Small hours» se refiere a la madrugada.

「small」は限られたサイズ、量、または重要性を示します。「little」（しばしば感情的/愛情を込めた）とは異なり、「small」はより中立的で事実に基づいています。物理的なサイズ、量（「a small number」）、または重要性（「a small problem」）を表すことができます。「small talk」は軽い会話を意味します。「small hours」は早朝を指します。

'Small'은 제한된 크기, 양 또는 중요성을 나타냅니다. 감정적·애정적 뉘앙스가 있는 'little'과 달리 'small'은 더 중립적이고 사실적입니다. 물리적 크기, 수량('a small number'), 또는 중요도('a small problem')를 묘사할 수 있습니다. 'Small talk'은 가벼운 대화를, 'small hours'는 새벽 시간을 의미합니다.

Examples

We live in a small flat in the city centre.
我们住在市中心的一间小公寓里。
Vivimos en un piso pequeño en el centro de la ciudad.
私たちは市内中心部の小さなフラットに住んでいます。
우리는 시내 중심부의 작은 아파트에 살고 있습니다.
It's just a small matter - nothing to worry about.
这只是小事——不用担心。
Es solo un asunto menor - nada de qué preocuparse.
ちょっとしたことです—心配いりません。
사소한 일입니다—걱정할 것 없어요.
Could I have a small coffee, please?
请给我一杯小杯咖啡。
¿Podría tomar un café pequeño, por favor?
スモールサイズのコーヒーをいただけますか？
스몰 사이즈 커피 하나 주시겠어요?

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: general

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old English 'smæl' meaning 'narrow' or 'slender', related to German 'schmal' (narrow). The original meaning was about thinness rather than overall size — 'the small of the back' preserves this older 'narrow' sense. The shift from 'narrow' to 'little' happened gradually during the Middle English period.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal