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How to Say ‘It missed by just this much’ in Simplified Chinese

就差这么一点儿

jiù chà zhè me yì diǎn ér

[jiù chà zhème yìdiǎnr]

🇨🇳 In China: People say this while holding up a thumb and finger almost touching, pointing at the replay. The gesture is part of the phrase.

Phrase Breakdown

就差

jiù chà

just short by

就 (jiù, just) + 差 (chà, to lack or fall short). Both syllables are fourth tone.

Example

就差一分钟。

Just one minute short.

Words in this phrase

就

jiù

[jiù]

emphasizing, just

Used to emphasize something is precisely or solely so.

Example

这本书根本就不含剑法招式。

This book fundamentally does not include any sword techniques.

差

chà

[chà]

to be short by

To miss or lack a certain amount.

Example

就差一分钟。

Short by just one minute.

这么一点儿

zhè me yì diǎn ér

this little bit

这么 (zhème) means 'this much'. 一点儿 (yìdiǎnr) means 'a little', and 一 changes to fourth tone before 点. Add the 儿 sound with a curled tongue.

Example

只剩这么一点儿了。

There's only this little bit left.

Words in this phrase

这么

zhè me

[zhème]

so; this (much)

Indicates degree or amount, often with a gesture.

Example

只有这么一点儿。

There's only this little bit.

一点儿

yì diǎn ér

[yìdiǎnr]

a little bit

A tiny amount.

Example

再往左一点儿。

A little more to the left.

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