小 (xiǎo) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 小 (xiǎo) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 小 (xiǎo) means "small / little". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 3 strokes and the radical 小.

Q: How do you write 小 stroke by stroke?

小 has 3 strokes. The radical is 小. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 小 and ⺌?

小 (xiǎo) and ⺌ look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 小?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 小. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 小?

Common words containing 小 include: 小学 (xiǎo xué) — Primary school; elementary school; 小心 (xiǎo xīn) — Be careful; watch out; 小姐 (xiǎo jiě) — Miss; young lady.

How to Write 小

The character 小 (xiǎo) is written with 3 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 小 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

小 is pronounced xiǎo in Mandarin Chinese. It means small / little.

As an HSK Level 1 character, 小 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 小

小学 xiǎo xué

Primary school; elementary school

小心 xiǎo xīn

Be careful; watch out

小姐 xiǎo jiě

Miss; young lady

Example Sentences

我在小学读书。

wǒ zài xiǎo xué dú shū

I study at an elementary school.

过马路要小心。

guò mǎ lù yào xiǎo xīn

Be careful when crossing the road.

王小姐在办公室。

wáng xiǎo jiě zài bàn gōng shì

Miss Wang is in the office.

Similar Characters

⺌ xiǎo

⺍ xiǎo

少 shǎo

Practice Writing 小 (xiǎo)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 小 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 小

What does 小 (xiǎo) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 小 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 小 and ⺌?

What mistakes do learners make writing 小?

What common words use 小?

How to Write 小 (xiǎo)