adjective / adverb HSK 3
Traditional 小聲
in a low voice · quietly · softly
Meaning
小声 literally means 'small voice' and describes speaking or making sounds at a low volume. It is commonly used both as an adjective to describe a quiet voice and as an adverb to indicate the manner of speaking softly.
Usage
Native speakers use 小声 when asking someone to lower their voice or when describing that someone is speaking quietly. It's often used in contexts requiring discretion, such as libraries, classrooms, or when discussing sensitive topics. The phrase 小声点 (xiǎo shēng diǎn) meaning 'speak more quietly' is extremely common in everyday conversation.
Examples
- 01图书馆里请小声说话。.Please speak quietly in the library.
- 02她小声地告诉我一个秘密。.She quietly told me a secret.
Characters
Common collocations
- 小声点speak more quietly, keep it down
- 小声说话to speak quietly
- 小声地quietly, in a low voice (adverbial)
Antonyms
Origin
This is a straightforward compound combining 小 (small) with 声 (sound/voice), creating a transparent meaning of 'small voice' or 'quiet sound'.