HSK 7
稍稍
shāo shāo
稍稍 (shāoshāo) - Slightly, a little
Explanation
"稍稍" (shāo shāo) is an adverb (a word that modifies a verb or adjective) of slight degree, meaning "slightly", "a little"; it is placed before a verb or adjective to express a small degree/action.
稍稍 (shāo shāo) + verb / adjective (often together with "一" + a single verb: 稍稍一动 shāo shāo yī dòng "to move just a little").
when wanting to describe a change or action of slight degree, somewhat more literary and gentle than "稍微" (shāo wēi).
"稍稍" and "稍微" (shāo wēi) are nearly synonymous ("slightly, a little"); "稍微" is common and neutral, used in both speech and writing, whereas "稍稍" (a reduplicated form) sounds gentle and leans slightly toward written usage. It differs from "有点儿" (yǒudiǎnr), which usually carries a complaining sense and stands before an adjective.
placing "稍稍" after the verb (wrong position — it is an adverbial (the element indicating time, place, or manner) and must come before); using "稍稍" before a noun (wrong — it only modifies verbs/adjectives).
Examples
Hearing his words, I breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Shanghai's summers are both muggy and hot; you break into a sweat at the slightest movement.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “稍稍” effectively
The grammar point “稍稍” (稍稍 (shāoshāo) - Slightly, a little) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.