Definition

1. Phrase:
   • A small amount, a little bit: "chút ít" is a phrase used to indicate a very small, modest, or insignificant quantity of something. It emphasizes the smallness or slightness of the amount.

Usage

• "Chút ít" is used as a noun phrase to quantify uncountable nouns or abstract concepts. It often conveys humility, modesty, or that something is not enough. It can be used on its own or followed by "của" (of) to specify what the small amount pertains to.
• Common structure: chút ít + (của + noun).
• It is more literary or formal than the simpler "một chút".

Usage Examples

• As a noun phrase:
  • Tôi chỉ có chút ít kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực này. (I only have a little bit of experience in this field.)
  • Cô ấy đã dành chút ít thời gian rảnh để đọc sách. (She spent a little of her free time reading.)
  • Chút ít hiểu biết của tôi không đủ để giải quyết vấn đề. (The little knowledge I have is not enough to solve the problem.)

Advanced Usage

• "dù chỉ là chút ít": even if it's just a little bit; to emphasize that even a small contribution or amount is meaningful.
  • Hãy đóng góp dù chỉ là chút ít. (Please contribute, even if it's just a little bit.)
• Used to express modesty about one's own possessions, knowledge, or efforts.
  • Đây là chút ít quà mọn, mong bạn nhận cho. (This is just a small gift, I hope you will accept it.)

Variants and Related Words

• Một chút (phrase): a little, a bit. This is a more common and colloquial synonym.
  • Cho tôi một chút đường. (Give me a little sugar.)
• Chút xíu (phrase): a tiny little bit. This emphasizes an even smaller quantity and is informal.
  • Chỉ cần chút xíu muối thôi. (Just a tiny bit of salt is needed.)
• Ít ỏi (adjective): meager, scanty. Describes something that is small in quantity and often insufficient.
  • Thu nhập ít ỏi. (A meager income.)

Synonyms

• Một ít (phrase): a little, some.
• Một tí (phrase, informal): a little bit.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Chút ít cũng là tấm lòng: Even a little bit shows goodwill. This idiom is used to express that the value lies in the thought and effort, not the size of the gift or help.
  • Anh nhận đi, chút ít cũng là tấm lòng mà. (Please take it, even a little shows goodwill.)

1. A little