tí tẹo
Definition
Adjective:
- A tiny amount / a very little bit: Used to describe a quantity that is extremely small, insignificant, or minimal.
- Very small (in size): Used to describe an object, person, or thing that is very small or tiny in physical dimensions.
Adverb:
- Just a tiny bit / a smidgen: Used to modify a verb or an adjective to indicate a very small degree or amount.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Trong túi chỉ còn tí tẹo đường. (There's only a tiny bit of sugar left in the bag.)
- Đứa bé trông tí tẹo thế thôi. (The child looks so very small.)
- Adverb:
- Anh ấy chỉ ăn tí tẹo. (He ate just a tiny bit.)
- Căn phòng này rộng hơn tí tẹo. (This room is a smidgen wider.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used for emphasis, especially in spoken language, to express that an amount is disappointingly or surprisingly small. It can carry a tone of complaint or endearment depending on context.
- The variant "tí teo" has an identical meaning and usage.
Variants and Related Words
- Tí teo (adj, adv): A direct variant with the same meanings as .
- Mua được tí teo thịt. (Bought just a tiny bit of meat.)
- Tí (adj, adv): The root word meaning "a little" or "small." is an emphatic, reduplicative form of .
- Chờ tí. (Wait a little.)
Synonyms
- Một chút xíu: a tiny little bit.
- Rất ít: very little.
- Nhỏ xíu: very small (in size).
Related Idioms and Expressions
- Bé tí tẹo: very small and tiny (often used affectionately for babies or small objects).
- Con mèo con bé tí tẹo. (The kitten is so tiny.)
- Có tí tẹo: to have only a tiny amount (often implying it's not enough).
- Nó chỉ làm được có tí tẹo việc. (He only did a tiny bit of work.)