Say it in Chinese
How to say I speak a little Chinese
Updated
I speak a little Chinese is 只会一点点. It means “I can only do a tiny bit”. You will use it a lot. People often ask foreigners 你会说中文吗 (can you speak Chinese)? And they often say your Chinese is good after one sentence. This is the modest answer to both.
The phrase
- 只zhǐonly
- 会huìcan
- 一点点yì dián diǎna tiny bit
What it means
只会一点点 means “I can only do a tiny bit”. 只 is “only”. 会 is “can”, for skills you have learned. 一点点 is “a tiny bit”. When the topic is Chinese, it means “I only speak a little”.
It is also the polite answer when someone praises your Chinese. People expect you to be modest about your skills. They usually answer by praising you again.
How to say it
Say zhǐ huì yì dián diǎn. zhǐ dips. huì falls. Then yì falls, dián rises and diǎn dips.
Two of these syllables change:
- 一 (one) is yī on its own. Before a dipping tone it becomes yì.
- 点 (a bit) dips on its own. When two dipping tones come together, the first one rises. So the first diǎn becomes dián.
The pinyin shows how people really say it, the same as in the game.
When to use it
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When someone asks if you speak Chinese
Cashiers, drivers and older people often start with 你会说中文吗 (can you speak Chinese)? 只会一点点 answers it and lets them keep talking, slowly.
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When someone says your Chinese is good
After one or two sentences, many people say 你的中文真好 (your Chinese is really good)! 只会一点点 is the modest reply. 谢谢 (thank you) also works.
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For other skills
一点点 works for any skill. If someone asks if you can use chopsticks, 只会一点点 is a fine answer.
Other ways to say it
Shorter answers from the game.
- 一点点 (yì dián diǎn) a tiny bit
The short answer. Fine when someone asks quickly.
- 我是外国人 (wǒ shì wài guó rén) I'm a foreigner
Useful when someone asks for a Chinese ID card, or is surprised you do not understand.
- 谢谢 (xiè xie) Thank you
The simple answer to praise.
What people say back
- 只会一点点 (zhǐ huì yì dián diǎn) Only a tiny bit
The convenience store cashier asks 你会说中文吗? while your lunch is in the microwave.
They may say 说得很好啊！ (shuō de hěn hǎo a!) You speak it really well! (She praises you anyway.) - 只会一点点 (zhǐ huì yì dián diǎn) Only a tiny bit
A driver says 你中文不错啊 (your Chinese is not bad)!
They may say 一点点？说得很好了！ (yì dián diǎn? shuō de hěn hǎo le!) A tiny bit? You speak very well! (He says you speak well.) - 只会一点点 (zhǐ huì yì dián diǎn) Only a tiny bit
At an evening dance in a square, a dancer asks if you can speak Chinese.
They may say 说得很好啊！ (shuō de hěn hǎo a!) You speak it really well!
Common mistakes
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No changes in “a tiny bit”
yī diǎn diǎn sounds slow and careful. Say yì dián diǎn: falling, rising, then low.
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Using “can” for “know”
会 is for skills you have learned, like speaking a language or swimming. To say you know a fact, use 知道 (know).
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Taking the praise too seriously
People praise any foreigner who tries a few words. They mean it kindly. Answer and keep going.
Where it comes up in the game
The park
You first put 只会一点点 together in the park, word by word. A chess player or a group of dancers ask if you can play or dance with them.
The convenience store
While the microwave runs, the cashier asks 你会说中文吗? You answer 只会一点点, and she says you speak well.
A ride across town and an evening dance
A ride-hailing driver says your Chinese is not bad. You choose a modest answer or a thank-you. At a square dance, the dancers ask the same questions, then teach you the steps.
Questions
How do you say I speak a little Chinese?
I speak a little Chinese is 只会一点点. Word for word it means “I can only do a tiny bit”. It is the usual answer when someone asks if you speak Chinese.
How do you ask can you speak Chinese in Chinese?
Can you speak Chinese in Chinese is 你会说中文吗? 会 means “can”, 说 means “speak” and 中文 means “Chinese”.
Why do two syllables change in 一点点?
Two syllables change in 一点点. 一 (one) becomes yì before a dipping tone. Then the two diǎn come together, so the first one rises to dián. The result is yì dián diǎn.
How do I respond when someone says my Chinese is good?
Answer modestly with 只会一点点 (only a tiny bit), or just say 谢谢 (thank you). Both are normal in China.
Why do Chinese people say my Chinese is good after one word?
Praising a foreigner’s Chinese is a common, friendly reaction in China. People like that you are trying. It is a way to start a conversation and says little about your level.
What is the difference between 会 and 知道?
会 means “can”, for a skill you learned, like speaking Chinese. 知道 means “know”, for a fact. 我会说中文 is “I can speak Chinese”. 我知道 is “I know”.