li ti
Definition
- Adjective:
- Extremely small; minute; tiny: Describes something that is so small in size or scale that it is difficult to see or distinguish with the naked eye. It emphasizes a high degree of minuteness.
- Fine; granular: Can describe something consisting of very small, separate particles or details.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Chữ trong cuốn sách cũ này nhỏ li ti. (The print in this old book is extremely tiny.)
- Mưa rơi li ti như bụi nước. (The rain falls in a fine, mist-like drizzle.)
- Những hạt cát li ti dính trên tay. (The minute grains of sand stuck to my hand.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used in a reduplicative form for emphasis: "li ti li ti" or "li ti tí" to mean "extremely, extremely small."
- Những ngôi sao li ti li ti trên bầu trời. (The stars, minute beyond minute, in the sky.)
Variants and Related Words
- Li ti can function similarly to an adverb in some descriptive contexts, modifying a verb to indicate an action performed in a fine, small-scale manner.
- Mồ hôi vã ra li ti. (Sweat broke out in fine beads.)
Synonyms
- Minute: Extremely small.
- Tiny: Very small.
- Fine: Consisting of very small particles.
- Microscopic: So small as to be visible only with a microscope.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Nhỏ li ti: A common collocation meaning "extremely small."
- Chi tiết nhỏ li ti trong bức tranh. (The extremely small detail in the painting.)