adverb HSK 4
slightly · a little bit · somewhat
Meaning
稍微 is an adverb meaning 'slightly' or 'a little bit', used to indicate a small degree or extent of something. It softens statements and requests, making them sound more modest or polite. It typically appears before verbs or adjectives to modify the intensity of the action or quality.
Usage
稍微 is commonly used in polite requests or when making modest statements. It often pairs with 一点儿 (yīdiǎnr) for emphasis, as in 稍微...一点儿. Native speakers use it to downplay the degree of something, making suggestions sound less demanding. It's more formal than just using 一点儿 alone.
Examples
- 01这个菜稍微有点儿咸。.This dish is slightly salty.
- 02请稍微等一下，我马上就来。, .Please wait a moment, I'll be right there.
Characters
Common collocations
- 稍微...一点儿...a little bit...
- 稍微等一下wait a moment
- 稍微注意pay a little attention
- 稍微好一些slightly better
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters 稍 and 微 independently mean 'small' or 'slight'. Combined, they create a compound adverb emphasizing a minimal degree or small amount.