Degree Adverb: 稍稍 (slightly/a little)
程度副词：稍稍
Use 稍稍 to express a slight degree of change or action in both written and spoken Chinese
稍稍 is placed before a verb or adjective to express "slightly / a little / somewhat." It indicates a small, subtle degree of change or action. It can modify both verbs (稍稍松了一口气) and adjectives (稍稍有些紧张).
稍稍 is the reduplicated form of 稍 (shāo, slightly). The reduplication softens the meaning and makes it sound more natural in context. Related forms include 稍微 (shāowēi, slightly — more common) and 稍 alone (literary). 稍稍 sits between them in formality.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Degree Adverb: 稍稍 (slightly/a little) (程度副词：稍稍)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 程度副词：稍稍 pattern
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Understanding 程度副词：稍稍
When you want to express that something happened just a little — not a lot, not dramatically, but just slightly — 稍稍 (shāoshāo) is your word. This reduplicated degree adverb means "slightly / a little / somewhat" and conveys subtle, understated change. When you say 听了他的话，我稍稍松了一口气, you are expressing that you felt a slight sense of relief — not total relaxation, just a small easing of tension. The beauty of 稍稍 is its precision: it captures those small, nuanced shifts that more emphatic adverbs would exaggerate. It is related to the more common 稍微 (shāowēi), which is slightly more conversational, and the single-character 稍, which is more literary. 稍稍 occupies a comfortable middle ground, working well in both careful speech and written narrative.
Key Points
- 稍稍 (shāoshāo) = "slightly / a little / somewhat" — expresses subtle degree.
- Reduplicated form of 稍 — the doubling softens and naturalizes the expression.
- Modifies verbs: 稍稍休息 (rest a little), 稍稍松了一口气 (felt slightly relieved).
- Modifies adjectives: 稍稍有些紧张 (slightly nervous).
- Related forms: 稍微 (more conversational), 稍 alone (more literary).
- Often implies a change from a previous state — something shifted slightly.
Chinese communication often values understatement and subtlety. Using 稍稍 instead of a stronger adverb reflects the cultural preference for measured expression. In Chinese social interactions, understating your feelings or achievements (谦虚 qiānxū, modesty) is considered graceful.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
听了他的话，我稍稍松了一口气。
After hearing his words, I felt slightly relieved.
上海的夏天又闷又热，稍稍一动就会出汗。
Shanghai summers are humid and hot — the slightest movement makes you sweat.
他稍稍犹豫了一下，然后点了点头。
He hesitated slightly, then nodded.
雨稍稍小了一些，我们出发吧。
The rain has let up slightly — let's head out.
她稍稍调整了一下坐姿。
She slightly adjusted her sitting posture.
温度稍稍上升了两度。
The temperature rose slightly by two degrees.
他稍稍提高了嗓门。
He raised his voice slightly.
Common Mistakes
稍稍 (slightly) contradicts 非常 (extremely). You cannot be "slightly extremely" nervous. Use 有些 (somewhat) instead.
稍稍 and 很 are conflicting degree markers. 稍稍 means "slightly" while 很 means "very." Choose one.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 稍稍 for narrative moments — it is perfect for describing small, subtle actions in stories: 稍稍犹豫, 稍稍点头, 稍稍一笑.
Remember the family: 稍 (literary, single), 稍稍 (natural, doubled), 稍微 (conversational). All mean "slightly."
The pattern 稍稍一 + verb means "the slightest [verb]" — 稍稍一碰就碎了 (the slightest touch broke it).
In writing, 稍稍 adds elegant precision. Instead of 他犹豫了, try 他稍稍犹豫了一下 — it paints a more vivid picture.
Homework
Write a short narrative paragraph (80-100 characters) describing a tense moment — perhaps waiting for exam results or meeting someone important. Use 稍稍 at least three times to describe subtle changes in emotion, posture, or environment.