小于

• 拼音: xiǎo yú
• 汉字拆解: 小 = depicts something small; 于 = an ancient character meaning 'in' or 'than,' used for comparisons

含义

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.

例句

1. 今天的最高气温将小于二十度，记得多穿点衣服。
2. 如果数值小于零，程序会自动报错。
3. 参加这个项目的人数不应小于十人。

用法指南

语境: mathematics, science, statistics, technical

语气: precise

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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'

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal