小心点
xiǎoxīn diǎn
Be careful, sweetie · trad. 小心點
小心点 (xiǎo xīn diǎn) is a gentle way to tell someone to be careful, often used with children. The particle “点” softens the direct command “小心,” making it sound more caring and less abrupt.
What does 小心点 (xiǎoxīn diǎn) mean?
小心点 (xiǎoxīn diǎn) means “be careful, sweetie” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “be careful a bit.”
When to use it
Used informally, often with children or close friends, to express a gentle warning. For a more direct or serious warning, use 小心 (xiǎo xīn). When speaking to adults in a more formal context, one might say 请小心 (qǐng xiǎo xīn), meaning “please be careful.”
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “shyao-SHEEN dyen.” 小 dips (third tone), 心 is high and level (first tone), and 点 dips again (third tone).
Other ways to say it
- 小心xiǎoxīnbe careful (more direct)
- 注意安全zhùyì ānquánpay attention to safety
- 当心dāngxīnwatch out / be careful
Examples
小心点，别摔倒了！
xiǎoxīn diǎn, bié shuāidǎo le!
Be careful, don't fall over!
过马路要小心点。
guò mǎlù yào xiǎoxīn diǎn.
Be careful when crossing the road.
孩子，小心点玩，别跑太快。
háizi, xiǎoxīn diǎn wán, bié pǎo tài kuài.
Kiddo, play carefully, don't run too fast.
Pro tip: The “点” (diǎn) here acts as a diminutive or softening particle, making the instruction “be careful” sound more tender and less like a stern command, much like adding “a bit” or “sweetie” in English.
Related phrases
慢点跑 · Slow down (running)牵着我的手 · Hold my hand听妈妈的话 · Listen to mommy
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