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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 点 (diǎn) to express "point" or "a little bit"

    Degree & Intensity
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    一 + 点 + 点 + 地 + Verb

    Explanation

    点 (diǎn) is a highly versatile word meaning "point," "dot," or "a little bit." When reduplicated as 一点点, it emphasizes a very small amount, and in the pattern 一点点地, it means "little by little" or "bit by bit."

    Examples

    • 你能不能说慢一点？我没听清楚。

      nǐ néng bù néng shuō màn yīdiǎn? wǒ méi tīng qīngchǔ.

      Can you speak a little slower? I didn't hear clearly.

    • 加一点点盐，味道就完全不一样了。

      jiā yī diǎndiǎn yán, wèidào jiù wánquán bù yīyàng le.

      Just add a tiny bit of salt, and the flavor is completely different.

    • 他的中文一点点地在进步。

      tā de zhōngwén yīdiǎndiǎn de zài jìnbù.

      His Chinese is improving little by little.

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    Using 点 (diǎn) to express "point" or "a little bit" | Chinese Grammar