in ít
Definition
- Adverb:
- A little, a bit, somewhat: Used to indicate a small degree or quantity, slightly less than expected or than something else. It is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of "ít" (little/few), softening its meaning to "a little bit" or "somewhat little".
Usage
- "In ít" is used to modify verbs or adjectives to indicate a small, moderate, or insufficient degree. It often implies a comparison or a slight deviation from a norm.
- It is commonly used in spoken Vietnamese and informal writing.
- It typically precedes the adjective or verb it modifies.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Món canh này hơi nhạt, nên cho in ít muối. (This soup is a bit bland, you should add a little salt.)
- Hôm nay tôi mua in ít hoa quả thôi. (Today I bought just a few fruits.)
- Anh ấy nói in ít quá, tôi không nghe rõ. (He speaks too softly/a bit too little, I can't hear clearly.)
- Lương tháng này in ít hơn tháng trước. (This month's salary is a bit less than last month's.)
Advanced Usage
- "In ít" vs. "Ít": While "ít" means "little/few", "in ít" softens this, meaning "a little bit" or "somewhat little". It is less absolute.
- Có ít đường. (There is little sugar. -> Emphasizes scarcity)
- Cho in ít đường. (Add a little sugar. -> A moderate instruction)
Variants and Related Words
- Ít (adj/adv): Little, few. The root word.
- Hơi ít (phrase): A little bit, somewhat little. A near-synonymous phrase.
- Một chút (phrase): A little bit, a small amount. Often interchangeable in context.
- Lèo tèo (adj, informal): Meager, paltry, very little. Stronger and more negative than "in ít".
Synonyms
- Hơi ít: Somewhat little.
- Một chút: A little bit.
- Một ít: A small amount.
Antonyms
- Nhiều: Many, much, a lot.
- Đầy đủ: Sufficient, ample.
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xem ít (láy)
