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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'short in height' with 矮 (ǎi)

    Comparison
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 矮

    Explanation

    The adjective 矮 (ǎi) means "short" and specifically describes a person's height or the low stature of an object. It is the opposite of 高 (gāo, "tall"). In Chinese, 矮 is used only for physical height, not for short durations of time or short lengths.

    Examples

    • 他虽然个子矮,但打篮球特别厉害。

      tā suīrán gèzi ǎi, dàn dǎ lánqiú tèbié lìhai.

      Although he's short, he's really good at basketball.

    • 这张桌子太矮了,坐着写字不舒服。

      zhè zhāng zhuōzi tài ǎi le, zuòzhe xiězì bù shūfu.

      This table is too low; it's uncomfortable to sit and write at.

    • 我妹妹小时候很矮,上了高中突然长高了。

      wǒ mèimei xiǎoshíhou hěn ǎi, shàng le gāozhōng tūrán zhǎng gāo le.

      My younger sister was very short as a child, but suddenly grew tall in high school.

    Expressing 'short in height' with 矮 (ǎi) | Chinese Grammar