Common Meanings
1
xiǎo小
Small; little; refers to something being less than average or compared objects in terms of size, volume, quantity, intensity, or power.
外面下着小雨。
It's raining lightly outside.
Refers to something that is trivial, minor, or of limited scope/importance.
我们不要为了一点小事而争吵。
Let's not quarrel over such a trivial matter.
Refers to a short duration, as in a brief stay or rest.
你先小坐一会儿，我马上就来。
Please sit for a moment; I'll be right there.
Young; small in age or size, often referring to a child.
这个小孩很可爱。
This child is very cute.
Used as a humble self-reference, typically by men (e.g., '小弟' meaning 'your humble younger brother' or 'I'), to show modesty when speaking of oneself or one's status.
小弟初来乍到，请多关照。
I (your humble younger brother) am new here; please take care of me.
Concubine; mistress; secondary wife.
旧时，有些富贵人家除了正妻，还会纳个小。
In old times, some wealthy families would take a concubine in addition to their principal wife.