Definition

1. Adverb / Adjective:
   • A small amount, a little bit: Used to indicate a very small, modest, or slight degree of something. It often implies a quantity that is not zero but is less than expected, noticeable, or significant.

Usage Examples

• As an adverb (modifying a verb or adjective):
  • Tôi chỉ hiểu đôi chút về chủ đề này. (I only understand a little bit about this topic.)
  • Cô ấy có vẻ mệt mỏi đôi chút. (She seems a little tired.)
• As an adjective (modifying a noun):
  • Anh ấy có đôi chút kinh nghiệm. (He has a little bit of experience.)
  • Chỉ cần đôi chút kiên nhẫn thôi. (Just a little patience is needed.)

Advanced Usage

• "Đôi chút" vs. "Một chút": While both mean "a little," "đôi chút" often carries a more subtle, nuanced, or slightly more formal tone than "một chút." It can imply an even smaller or more delicate amount.
  • Tôi có một chút tiền. (I have a little money.) [Neutral]
  • Tôi có đôi chút hi vọng. (I have a glimmer of hope.) [More nuanced, often for abstract qualities]
• Used to soften statements, making them sound more modest, polite, or less absolute.
  • Tôi nghĩ có đôi chút sai sót ở đây. (I think there is a slight mistake here.)

Variants and Related Words

• Một chút (phrase): A little, a bit. The most common and neutral equivalent.
• Chút ít (phrase): A small amount, a little. Similar to "một chút."
• Chút xíu (phrase): A tiny bit. Emphasizes a very small amount.
• Đôi phần (adverb): Somewhat, to some extent. Used similarly to "đôi chút" but often for degree or level.

Synonyms

• Một ít: A little, some.
• Hơi hơi: A little, slightly (informal).
• Ít nhiều: More or less, to some extent.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Đôi chút" is a phrase itself and is not typically part of larger phrasal verb constructions. It functions as a standalone adverbial/adjectival phrase.)

Related Idioms

• Được chút nào hay chút ấy: To take whatever little one can get; to make the most of a small opportunity.
  • Công việc khó khăn, cứ được chút nào hay chút ấy. (The work is difficult, just take whatever little you can get.)
• Một chút cũng là nhiều: A little can mean a lot; every little bit helps.
  • Hãy đóng góp nếu bạn có thể, một chút cũng là nhiều. (Please contribute if you can, every little bit helps.)

1. A little bit