小 (xiǎo) - small & little

小Tone 3

xiǎo ｜ 3 strokes ｜ radical: 小

想信

小 · xiǎo

small;

little;

minor;

young;

for a short while;

prefix used before surnames to indicate affection or familiarity.

smalllittleminor

Usage highlights

smalllittle brotherlittle sistersmall talkelementary schoolchildhood

Synonyms

  • 细— fine, thin, small
  • 微— tiny, minute
  • 幼— young, immature

Antonyms

  • 大— big, large
  • 老— old, aged
  • 巨— huge, gigantic

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This is a small apple (小苹果).
  • My little brother is very cute (小弟弟).
  • I will be back in a little while (一小会儿).
  • Little Wang is our class monitor (小王).

Collocations

  • small(小的)
  • little brother(小弟弟)
  • little sister(小妹妹)
  • small talk(小说)
  • elementary school(小学)
  • childhood(小时候)

Idioms

  • Petty tricks are unbecoming of a gentleman(小人不耻)
  • Small profits but quick returns(小本经营)
  • A frog in a well(井底之蛙)
  • Small potatoes(小菜一碟)
  • A small loss may bring a great gain(小失大得)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used as a humble prefix in names and titles to show modesty.
  • Commonly used in nicknames and terms of endearment for children and younger people.
  • In Confucian philosophy, contrasts with 大 (big) to represent the lesser or minor aspects.

FAQ