小

• 拼音: xiǎo
• 汉字拆解: 小 = pictograph of three small strokes representing something tiny or small

含义

A prefix placed before surnames to address someone informally. Commonly used for younger people or peers.

When used as a prefix before a surname (小王, 小李, 小张), it creates an informal, friendly form of address. Typically used for people younger than the speaker or of similar age among colleagues and friends. The counterpart is 老 (lǎo), used for older people. This usage is extremely common in workplaces and social settings across China.

例句

1. 小王，你今天下午有空吗？
2. 大家都叫她小李。
3. 小张是我们公司的新同事。

用法指南

语境: workplace, social, addressing people

语气: friendly

正确说法

• 小王，一起去吃饭吧。(Xiao Wang, let's go eat together.)
• 小刘今天请假了。(Xiao Liu took the day off today.)

错误说法

• 小 + 全名，如小王小明 (Don't put 小 before someone's full name — only before the surname: say 小王, not 小王小明)

起源与历史

小 originally depicted three small dots or grains, symbolising something tiny. As a name prefix, it conveys youth and familiarity, used informally since ancient times to address younger acquaintances.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal