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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'slightly' with 稍微 (shāowēi)

    Degree & Intensity

    Structure

    稍微 + Verb/Adj + 一点

    Explanation

    稍微 (shāowēi) is an adverb meaning 'slightly' or 'a little bit.' It modifies a verb or adjective to indicate a small degree of change or difference. It is often paired with 一点 at the end of the phrase for emphasis.

    Examples

    • 今天比昨天稍微暖和一点。

      jīntiān bǐ zuótiān shāowēi nuǎnhuo yìdiǎn.

      Today is slightly warmer than yesterday.

    • 你能不能稍微等我几分钟？

      nǐ néng bù néng shāowēi děng wǒ jǐ fēnzhōng?

      Could you wait for me for a few minutes?

    • 这件衣服稍微有点大，有没有小一号的？

      zhè jiàn yīfu shāowēi yǒudiǎn dà, yǒu méiyǒu xiǎo yí hào de?

      This piece of clothing is slightly too big; do you have one size smaller?

    Expressing 'slightly' with 稍微 (shāowēi) | Chinese Grammar