Meanings of 小声
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Podcast: 小声
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AI Study Notes for 小声
轻声 (qīng shēng) - use 小声 when emphasizing the act of being quiet for discretion;轻声 may imply a gentle or soft tone without the same emphasis on volume reduction.
Be careful not to confuse 小声 with 大声 (dà shēng), which means 'loud voice.' This term is generally informal, so while it can be used in casual conversations, it's best to avoid it in very formal situations. A common collocation is '小声说' (speak quietly).
While 小声 is not an HSK word, it can help learners understand the concept of volume in speech, which ties into words like 大声 (loud) and 听 (to listen). Focus on practicing these words together to enhance your vocabulary around communication.
Learners often mix up 小声 with 小声点 (xiǎo shēng diǎn), which is incorrect usage. The correct phrase is simply 小声 without the 点, which means 'in a low voice.'
Pronunciation of 小声
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Component Characters
How to say in a low voice in Chinese
“in a low voice” in Chinese is小声
小声 (xiǎo shēng) refers to speaking or making sounds in a low or quiet voice. It is commonly used in contexts where discretion or privacy is needed, such as during a meeting, in a library, or when trying not to disturb others.
When to use 小声
Be careful not to confuse 小声 with 大声 (dà shēng), which means 'loud voice.' This term is generally informal, so while it can be used in casual conversations, it's best to avoid it in very formal situations. A common collocation is '小声说' (speak quietly).
小声 or something close to it
轻声 (qīng shēng) - use 小声 when emphasizing the act of being quiet for discretion;轻声 may imply a gentle or soft tone without the same emphasis on volume reduction.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 小声 with 小声点 (xiǎo shēng diǎn), which is incorrect usage. The correct phrase is simply 小声 without the 点, which means 'in a low voice.'
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Cultural Notes for 小声
In Western cultures, speaking softly may be seen as shyness, while in Chinese culture, it is often viewed as a sign of respect and consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions about 小声
You can say '请小声说话' (Please speak quietly) when asking someone to lower their voice.
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