Meanings of 小于
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 小于
Podcast: 小于
Podcast: 小于
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 小于
大于 (dà yú) - use '小于' when indicating that one quantity is smaller than another, as opposed to '大于', which indicates that one quantity is greater than another.
Avoid using '小于' in contexts outside of comparisons, as it specifically denotes a quantitative relationship. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as mathematics or scientific discussions, and is often paired with numbers or variables.
While '小于' might not be explicitly listed in HSK levels, understanding this term is essential for grasping mathematical language in Chinese. Students should focus on context usage with numerical values, as this will enhance their comprehension of mathematical discussions.
Learners often confuse '小于' with '小于等于' (xiao3 yu2 deng3 yu2), which means 'less than or equal to'. For example, saying '3 小于等于 5' instead of '3 小于 5' when equality is not applicable can lead to misunderstandings.
Pronunciation of 小于
Drill the tone of 小于 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say less than, < in Chinese
“less than, <” in Chinese is小于
The term '小于' (xiao3 yu2) translates to 'less than' and is commonly used in mathematical contexts or comparisons. It signifies that one quantity is smaller than another, often seen in equations or when discussing values, such as in statistics or daily calculations.
When to use 小于
Avoid using '小于' in contexts outside of comparisons, as it specifically denotes a quantitative relationship. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as mathematics or scientific discussions, and is often paired with numbers or variables.
小于 or something close to it
大于 (dà yú) - use '小于' when indicating that one quantity is smaller than another, as opposed to '大于', which indicates that one quantity is greater than another.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '小于' with '小于等于' (xiao3 yu2 deng3 yu2), which means 'less than or equal to'. For example, saying '3 小于等于 5' instead of '3 小于 5' when equality is not applicable can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 小于
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 小于 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about 小于
The pinyin is 'xiao3 yu2', where 'xiao' has a falling tone and 'yu' has a rising tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 小于?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.