jat1 dim2一點一点
Jyutpingjat1 dim2
Yaleyāt dím
Definition
A bit; a little; a small amount.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
While 一點 is understood, native speakers almost exclusively prefer 少少 for the meaning of a little bit. Using 一點 often sounds slightly more formal or influenced by Mandarin, whereas 少少 fits naturally into almost any colloquial sentence. You will hear it used in phrases like 一點點 to describe small increments or a small amount of something.
Examples
He usually speaks just a little bit at a time.
Related words
Common phrases
a little bit
Common mistake
Beginners often overuse 一點 because it is a direct translation of the Mandarin word. In Cantonese, using 少少 makes your speech sound much more authentic and natural in daily life.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
