{{Grammar Box}} 了一点儿 (le yīdiǎnr), can be added after an adjective to mean "a little bit too." It is softer in tone than [[Expressing "excessively" with tai|using 太]], and so is often used when the speaker doesn't want to insult the listener by speaking too directly. == Structure == In this structure, the overall effect of the pattern depends on the preceding adjective. If the adjective in the structure has a negative meaning, then it is used to show the speaker’s dissatisfaction (a sort of complaint). If the adjective in the structure has a positive meaning, then it usually reflects a change.
Adj. + 了(一)点儿
== Examples ==
*这 条 牛仔裤 好像 了 点儿This jeans seems a little short for me. *那个 地方 离 我 家 了 一点儿That place is a little too far away from my place. *这 件 衬衫 了 点儿 ,我 想 换 一 件。This shirt is a little small. I need another one. *他 给 的 这个 红包 好像 了 点儿The money he gave in the red packet seems too little. *你 管 得 是 不 是 了 点儿Don't you care too much? *现在 说 “对不起” 是 不 是 了 点儿Isn't it a little too late to say sorry just now? *私立 学校 是 了 点儿 ,不过 老师 很 优秀 。Private schools are a little expensive, but their teachers are excellent. *你 这么 高 ,你 这个 男朋友 是 不 是 了 点儿You are so tall. Isn't your boyfriend a little short for you? *这 道 菜 了 点儿 ,可以 换 一 盘 吗?This dish is a little too salty, could you have another one again? *对 五 岁 的 孩子 来说 ,这 个 问题复杂 了 一点儿This question is a bit complicated for a five-year-old kid.
As in the first two examples, 稍微 is often added before the adjective to further soften the tone. ==See also== *[[Expressing "much more" in comparisons]] *[[Expressing "excessively" with tai]] == Sources and further reading == === Books === * [[Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed)]] (pp. 6- 8) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0887276709/ref%3das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0887276709 →buy] [[Category: B2 grammar points]] [[Category: Adjectives]] {{Basic Grammar|一点|B2|Adj. + 了 + (一) 点儿|那个 地方 离 我家 了 点儿 。|grammar point|ASGEHTV5}} {{Rel char|点}} {{Similar|Expressing "much more" in comparisons}} {{Similar|Comparing "youdian" and "yidian"}} {{Similar|Expressing "excessively" with tai}} {{Similar|Expressing "rather" with "bijiao"}} {{POS|Adjectives}} {{Used for| Expressing quality}}