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Mandarin Grammar Point
稍微 (shāowēi) - A bit, slightly

稍微 (shāowēi) - A bit, slightly

Short explanation:

Used to express a small or slight degree or extent of something.

Formation:

Subject + Verb + 稍微 + Adjective/Verb

Examples:

你可以稍微等一下我吗？我需要准备一下。
Nǐ kěyǐ shāowēi děng yīxià wǒ ma? Wǒ xūyào zhǔnbèi yīxià.
Can you wait for me a bit? I need to prepare.
她只是稍微晚了一点，不用那么生气。
Tā zhǐshì shāowēi wǎnle yīdiǎn, bùyòng nàme shēngqì.
She's just a bit late, no need to be so angry.
他稍微改变了一下他的计划。
Tā shāowēi gǎibiànle yīxià tā de jìhuà.
He slightly altered his plan.
我稍微有点不舒服，但是我觉得不需要去看医生。
Wǒ shāowēi yǒudiǎn bù shūfú, dànshì wǒ juédé bù xūyào qù kàn yīshēng.
I feel a bit uncomfortable, but I don't think I need to see a doctor.

Long explanation:

The Mandarin Chinese word '稍微 (shāowēi)' is used to indicate a small or slight degree or extent of something. It is often used to describe some slight actions, degree or minor changes in state, similar to 'a bit' or 'slightly' in English. You can use it to describe situations where things are not too much or not too little, just a slight or minor amount or degree.

Detailed Grammar notes:

%E7%A8%8D%E5%BE%AE%20(sh%C4%81ow%C4%93i)%20-%20A%20bit%2C%20slightly

稍微 (shāowēi) - A bit, slightly

Processing keyword: 稍微 (shāowēi) - A bit, slightly

Mandarin Grammar Point: 稍微 (shāowēi) - A bit, slightly

Grammar Point: 稍微 (shāowēi) - A Bit, Slightly

1. Introduction

The term 稍微 (shāowēi) is commonly used in Mandarin to express a small degree or a slight amount of something. It is often placed before adjectives or verbs to modify them, indicating that the action or state is only a little.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning, Structure, Formation

  • Meaning: "a bit" or "slightly"
  • Structure: 稍微 + [adjective/verb]
  • Formation Diagram:
稍微 (shāowēi) → Modifier (slight) + Adjective/Verb (describing action/state)

Usage

  • Used to soften statements or suggestions.
  • Can be combined with adjectives to describe a slight quality.
  • Emphasizes that the change or action is not significant.

3. Comparative Analysis

Grammar Point Definition Example Context
稍微 (shāowēi) A bit, slightly 稍微有点冷 (shāowēi yǒudiǎn lěng) "It's slightly cold."
有点 (yǒudiǎn) A bit, rather (more casual) 有点儿冷 (yǒudiǎn lěng) "It's a bit cold."
稍微 vs 有点 稍微 usually more formal 稍微太贵 (shāowēi tài guì) "It's slightly too expensive."
Note:
  • 稍微 (shāowēi) is more formal than 有点 (yǒudiǎn), which is more colloquial.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  • Formal:
    • 稍微等一下，我马上就来。
      • Shāowēi děng yīxià, wǒ mǎshàng jiù lái.
      • "Please wait a moment, I will be there shortly."
  • Informal:
    • 我稍微有点累。
      • Wǒ shāowēi yǒudiǎn lèi.
      • "I'm a bit tired."
  • Written:
    • 这道菜稍微可以再咸点。
      • Zhè dào cài shāowēi kěyǐ zài xián diǎn.
      • "This dish can be slightly saltier."
  • Spoken:
    • 外面稍微有点冷。
      • Wàimiàn shāowēi yǒudiǎn lěng.
      • "It's a bit cold outside."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using 稍微 (shāowēi) can convey politeness, especially in formal settings. It softens requests or feedback, making it more acceptable in Chinese culture, where direct criticism might be frowned upon.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 稍微一试 (shāowēi yī shì) - "Give it a little try."
  • 稍微调整 (shāowēi tiáozhěng) - "Make slight adjustments."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistakes:
    • Using 稍微 before nouns (it should be before verbs/adjectives).
    • Confusing it with 有点, which is less formal.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember the image of "a slight wave" of your hand to remind you 稍微 indicates a small amount.
  • Practice by modifying different adjectives with 稍微 to get the hang of its placement.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • 稍微 (shāowēi) denotes a small degree of something.
  • It's more formal compared to 有点.
  • Used to soften language in requests or descriptions.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does 稍微 (shāowēi) mean?
  2. Can you use 稍微 to modify a noun?
  3. Give an example sentence using 稍微. Feel free to practice these concepts with the provided examples and engage in conversations to reinforce your understanding of the usage of 稍微 (shāowēi)!
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Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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