PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🔹

How to Say ‘Small; little’ in Traditional Chinese

小小的

xiǎo xiǎo de

[shyaow-shyaow duh]

💬 Usage Tip: Repeating an adjective, as in [小小的], often makes it sound gentler, cuter, or more modest than plain [小的]. In requests, that can help you sound less demanding: [小小的驚喜] feels softer than [小的驚喜].

Phrase Breakdown

小小

xiǎo xiǎo

[shyaow-shyaow]

small; little

A reduplicated form that sounds softer and cuter, often used for modest requests.

Example

我們想準備小小的驚喜,不用太隆重。

We want to prepare a small surprise; it doesn’t need to be too grand.

de

[duh]

of; linking particle

Links a descriptive phrase like 'small' to the noun after it.

Example

這是一個小小的安排,但很貼心。

This is a small arrangement, but it is very thoughtful.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real scenarios helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.

Laura H., 28, Photographer

Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s scenario-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.

Ryan M., 36, Consultant

I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.

James O., 28, Remote Worker