siu2 jat1 dim2少一點少一点
Jyutpingsiu2 jat1 dim2
Yalesíu yāt dím
Definition
A bit less; slightly fewer.
colloquialdaily actionsfood
How it's used
Native speakers frequently contract this phrase to 少啲 in casual conversation. While 少一點 is perfectly acceptable, using the colloquial 啲 makes the request sound more natural and less like a formal instruction. It is highly versatile and can modify both countable and uncountable nouns, as well as verbs.
Examples
Can you use a bit less foul language when you speak?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 唔夠, which means not enough. Using 少一點 implies you want a smaller quantity, whereas 唔夠 implies a deficiency that prevents something from being sufficient.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
