Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Of a small stature; physically small in build or size: Describes a person or sometimes an animal that is notably short and slight in physical frame. It emphasizes a small overall body size, not just height.
   • Petite; slight: Often used to describe someone who is delicately or finely built.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy trông khá nhỏ con so với các bạn cùng lớp. (She looks quite small/petite compared to her classmates.)
  • Anh trai tôi không cao lắm và hơi nhỏ con. (My older brother isn't very tall and is a bit slight of build.)
  • Chú chó đó nhỏ con nhưng rất nhanh nhẹn. (That dog is small but very agile.)

Advanced Usage

• The term nhỏ con is often used in a descriptive, and sometimes comparative, context. It can carry a neutral or even endearing tone, but depending on context, it might be perceived as pointing out a lack of physical imposingness.
  • Dù nhỏ con nhưng cô ấy có sức mạnh phi thường. (Although petite, she has extraordinary strength.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhỏ (adj): Small, little. A more general term for small size.
• Bé con (adj): Small and childlike; often used for children or to describe something as cute and tiny.
• Thấp bé (adj): Short and small; specifically emphasizes short stature.
• Nhỏ nhắn (adj): Petite, dainty, delicately small (often with a positive connotation).

Synonyms

• Thấp bé: Short and small.
• Nhỏ nhắn: Petite, dainty.
• Chắc nhỏ (less common): Compact, small and sturdy.

Antonyms

• Cao lớn: Tall and big.
• To con: Big, large in build.
• Lực lưỡng: Burly, muscular, hefty.

Notes on Usage

• nhỏ con primarily describes living beings, especially people. It is less commonly used for objects.
• It is an adjective and typically follows the subject it describes (e.g., , ).
• The term originates from everyday speech and is widely understood across Vietnamese dialects, as indicated by the "(dialecte)" note in the reference, which suggests its commonality in colloquial use.

1. Of a small stature