nhỏ tí
Definition
- Adjective:
- Very small, tiny: "nhỏ tí" describes something that is extremely small in size or scale. It is an informal and emphatic form of "nhỏ" (small), adding a sense of cuteness or insignificance due to its diminutive nature.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Con mèo con mới đẻ nhỏ tí. (The newborn kitten is tiny.)
- Cô ấy có bàn tay nhỏ tí. (She has very small hands.)
- Chỉ còn một mẩu bánh mì nhỏ tí thôi. (There's only a tiny piece of bread left.)
Advanced Usage
- "nhỏ tí tẹo" / "nhỏ tí ti": These are even more emphatic and colloquial variants, meaning "extremely tiny" or "itty-bitty." They intensify the smallness, often with an affectionate or humorous tone.
- Căn phòng trọ của anh ấy nhỏ tí tẹo. (His rented room is itty-bitty.)
- Used to express endearment or to minimize the importance of something.
- Chuyện nhỏ tí ấy mà, đừng lo. (That's such a tiny matter, don't worry.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nhỏ (adj): Small. The root word.
- Tí (adj/noun): A tiny bit, a little. Often used independently or combined with other words.
- Bé tí (adj): Very small, tiny. Similar to "nhỏ tí," often used for living things, especially children.
- Nhỏ xíu (adj): Very small, minute. A common synonym.
- Tí hon (adj): Diminutive, miniature.
Synonyms
- Nhỏ xíu: Minute, very small.
- Bé tẹo: Teeny, very small (colloquial).
- Li ti: Minute, fine, tiny (often for numerous small things like droplets or print).
Related Phrases
- Nhỏ như cái kẹo: As small as a candy (simile for something very small).
- Nhỏ bằng hạt đậu: As small as a bean (simile for something very small).
Related Idioms
- Chuyện nhỏ như con thỏ: Literally "a matter as small as a rabbit," meaning a trivial, insignificant issue. (Note: This idiom uses "nhỏ," not the exact phrase "nhỏ tí," but shares the concept of smallness.)
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Very small, tiny
