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March 24, 2026
小xiǎo(xiao3)
The character 小 (xiǎo) means 'small' or 'tiny' and is often used to describe size, quantity, or age. It can refer to physical dimensions, such as a small object, or metaphorical senses, like a small amount of something or a young person.
Strokes3Radical小Frequency#125DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 'small' can have positive connotations, such as modesty or humility, which contrasts with the Western idea of 'bigger is better.' This is reflected in phrases like 小而美 (xiǎo ér měi, 'small yet beautiful').
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny mouse (小) peeking out from a small hole. The character resembles a little person with arms stretched wide, emphasizing its smallness. The pronunciation 'xiǎo' sounds like 'shout' but softer, as if a small creature is quietly calling for attention.
Meanings of 小
xiǎo(xiao3)
1small
2tiny
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About 小
小Simplified
3Strokes
小Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#125Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 小
Podcast: 小
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AI Study Notes for 小
Quick Contrast
小 (xiǎo) vs 短 (duǎn) — use 小 for size or age, while 短 specifically refers to length.
Usage Notes
小 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its tone when speaking, as it is pronounced with a third tone (falling-rising). It often appears in compound words like 小心 (xiǎo xīn, 'careful') and 小朋友 (xiǎo péng yǒu, 'children').
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 小 connects well to other basic vocabulary, such as 大 (dà, 'big') and 多 (duō, 'many'). Students should practice using it in simple sentences to describe objects or people.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 小 with 大 (dà, 'big') due to their opposite meanings. For example, saying 小大 (xiǎo dà) incorrectly combines the two; instead, use 小 and 大 separately based on the context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 小
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Etymology of 小
Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation
Pictograph of three small dots, representing grains of sand or rice, to convey the meaning "small".
The character 小 (xiǎo) means 'small' or 'tiny' and is often used to describe size, quantity, or age. It can refer to physical dimensions, such as a small object, or metaphorical senses, like a small amount of something or a young person.
When to use 小
小 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its tone when speaking, as it is pronounced with a third tone (falling-rising). It often appears in compound words like 小心 (xiǎo xīn, 'careful') and 小朋友 (xiǎo péng yǒu, 'children').
小 or something close to it
小 (xiǎo) vs 短 (duǎn) — use 小 for size or age, while 短 specifically refers to length.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 小 with 大 (dà, 'big') due to their opposite meanings. For example, saying 小大 (xiǎo dà) incorrectly combines the two; instead, use 小 and 大 separately based on the context.
Write 小
小
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Grammar Patterns of 小
小 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
