littler
littler — 名詞
1. a smaller amount or quantity of something than another thing that you are compar
更少量
與另一份量相比更少的量
a smaller amount or quantity of something than another thing that you are comparing it with — for example, having a littler portion of food than someone else, or a littler budget than another department.
Between the two plates of dumplings, Tanvi chose the littler so she could save room for dessert.
兩盤餃子之間，Tanvi 選了較少的那一盤，這樣才能留點肚子吃甜點。
the littler — noun phrase standing alone
The littler of the two donations still helped the animal shelter buy food for a week.
兩筆捐款中較少的那一筆，仍然足夠讓動物收容所買一星期的飼料。
the littler of [two things] — comparative noun phrase
Rachid compared the two pieces of fabric and picked the littler for his sewing project.
Rachid 比較了兩塊布料，選了比較小塊的那一塊來做縫紉作品。
The charity received littler this year than last year, so the manager had to cut back on programs.
今年慈善機構收到的捐款比去年少，所以經理不得不縮減開支。
- less
the standard comparative form; 'less' is preferred in most contexts over 'littler'
- a smaller amount
a clearer, more natural phrasing in both speech and writing
- more
a larger amount or quantity
文法句型
the littler of [two things]
littler + noun + than
用法筆記
For uncountable nouns, 'less' is more common than 'littler' in modern English. 'Littler' as a noun is rare in formal writing and appears most often in informal speech.
常見錯誤
2. a shorter period of time or a shorter distance, compared to another time period
較短
與另一段時間或距離相比更短
a shorter period of time or a shorter distance, compared to another time period or distance that is longer.
Of the two hiking trails, Kenji chose the littler because the sun was about to set.
兩條登山步道之中，Kenji 選了比較短的那一條，因為太陽快要下山了。
the littler — referring to a shorter distance
The littler of the two waiting times at the clinic was still over an hour.
診所兩個等候時間中較短的那個，仍然超過一個小時。
the littler of [two time periods]
Lucía took the littler route around the lake every morning before breakfast.
Lucía 每天早上早餐前都會沿著湖邊走那條比較短的路線。
Between the two breaks that the staff were given, the littler was only fifteen minutes long.
員工的兩次休息時間中，比較短的那次只有十五分鐘。
- longer
greater in length of time or distance
文法句型
the littler of [two distances/time periods]
littler + noun + than
用法筆記
In this sense, 'shorter' or 'less' is far more common than 'littler' in standard English. 'Littler' for time or distance is very informal and rare.
常見錯誤
3. a younger child, especially the smaller or youngest one in a family or group, co
較小孩子
家中或團體中年齡較小的孩子
a younger child, especially the smaller or youngest one in a family or group, compared to an older sibling or peer.
The littler of the two children held her mother's hand tightly in the crowd.
兩個孩子中比較小的那個，在人潮中緊緊握著媽媽的手。
the littler of [two children] — youngest/younger child
Isabela watched the littler ones playing in the sandbox while their older siblings were at school.
Isabela 看著比較小的孩子們在沙坑裡玩耍，而他們年紀較大的哥哥姊姊在學校上課。
In the family photo from the reunion, the littler boy sat on his grandfather's lap.
那張家族團聚的照片中，年紀比較小的男孩坐在爺爺的腿上。
Sirin read a bedtime story to the littler of her two younger cousins who could not sleep.
Sirin 為兩個表妹中年紀較小的那個讀床邊故事，因為她睡不著。
- younger child
the standard comparative term for age
- smaller child
focuses on physical size rather than age
- little one
affectionate term for a young child
- older child
a child who is greater in age
文法句型
the littler of [two children]
the littler one
用法筆記
This sense is mainly British and informal. 'Younger' or 'smaller' is preferred in most varieties of English. 'Littler' as a noun for a child is very rare even in British English and may sound old-fashioned.
常見錯誤
littler — 形容詞
- littlerpositive
- more littlercomparative
- most littlersuperlative
1. comparative of 'little' — smaller in physical size, dimensions, or amount when c
更小的
尺寸或數量較小的
comparative of 'little' — smaller in physical size, dimensions, or amount when compared to someone or something else.
The red suitcase was too heavy, so Eshe chose the littler one with wheels.
紅色手提箱太重了，所以 Eshe 選了那個有輪子的更小的一個。
littler + noun: choosing between two items
Ravi's puppy was already big, but his sister's dog was even littler than a cat.
Ravi 的小狗已經很大了，但他妹妹的狗甚至比貓還小。
littler + than: comparison structure
We moved from a three-bedroom house into a littler apartment closer to the train station.
我們從一間三房公寓搬到一間離火車站更近的較小公寓。
Of the two portions on the plate, the littler one belongs to the child.
盤子裡的兩份餐點中，較小的那一份是給小孩的。
Hao picked the littler shirt because the larger one did not fit in his bag.
Hao 選了較小的那件襯衫，因為大件的放不進他的袋子。
文法句型
littler + noun
be littler than
用法筆記
Often replaced by 'smaller' in formal writing. 'Littler' is common in everyday speech, especially when comparing two physical objects or portions.
常見錯誤
2. comparative of 'little' — relating to a smaller amount or serving of something,
更少份量
食物或飲料份量較少的
comparative of 'little' — relating to a smaller amount or serving of something, especially food or drink that can be shared.
Sirin asked for a littler scoop of ice cream because she was already full.
Sirin 要了一小勺冰淇淋，因為她已經飽了。
littler + food portion noun
Could I have a littler piece of cake than what you gave Liam?
能不能給我一塊比 Liam 那塊更小的蛋糕？
littler + than: comparing serving sizes
The waiter brought a littler cup of coffee for the child at the table.
服務生為桌邊的小孩端來一小杯咖啡。
Renata poured herself a littler glass of juice after spilling the first one.
Renata 弄倒第一杯果汁後，給自己倒了更小杯的果汁。
At the party, the littler bowls were for snacks and the big bowls were for salad.
派對上，小碗裝點心，大碗裝沙拉。
文法句型
littler + uncountable noun
a littler amount/number of
用法筆記
Informal. 'Less' or 'a smaller amount of' is preferred in formal contexts. This sense is primarily used with food, drink, or other divisible quantities.
常見錯誤
3. comparative of 'little' — of smaller monetary worth or lower sentimental value w
價值較低
金錢或情感價值較低的
comparative of 'little' — of smaller monetary worth or lower sentimental value when compared to another object; used especially of gifts, presents, or tokens.
For the gift exchange, Stephanie received a littler present than what she had brought.
在交換禮物活動中，Stephanie 收到比她帶來的禮物價值更低的禮物。
littler present: lower-value gift
The littler souvenirs cost only a few dollars, but the children loved them just the same.
那些較便宜的小紀念品只要幾塊錢，但孩子們一樣很喜歡。
Mira picked a littler token of appreciation from the charity shop for her host family.
Mira 從慈善商店挑了一件價值不高的小禮物送給她的寄宿家庭。
The cousins exchanged littler gifts before the main ceremony began.
他們在主要儀式開始前先交換了較便宜的小禮物。
- cheaper
focuses on cost rather than general value
- less valuable
more formal and precise; used in most writing
- more expensive
higher monetary value
- more valuable
greater worth in general
文法句型
a littler + noun (gift/present/token)
用法筆記
Primarily used in informal contexts when comparing the monetary or sentimental value of gifts or tokens. For formal writing, 'of lesser value' or 'less expensive' is preferred.
常見錯誤
4. comparative of 'little' — younger in age, especially when referring to siblings,
更年幼的
年齡較小的（尤指手足）
comparative of 'little' — younger in age, especially when referring to siblings, children, or family members.
Eli has two older sisters and one littler brother who just started school.
Eli 有兩個姊姊和一個剛上學的弟弟。
littler brother: younger sibling
My littler cousin Takeshi is seven years old and loves riding his bicycle.
我的表弟 Takeshi 七歲，很喜歡騎腳踏車。
littler cousin: younger relative
When we were kids, our littler neighbour always wanted to play ball with us.
我們小的時候，隔壁那個年紀較小的鄰居總是想跟我們打球。
The littler children sat at the front of the classroom so they could see the board.
年紀較小的孩子坐在教室前面，這樣才能看到黑板。
Shanti hugged her littler sister before getting on the school bus.
Shanti 在上校車前擁抱了她的妹妹。
文法句型
littler + family member noun
be littler than
用法筆記
Very common in everyday family talk. 'Younger' is the standard alternative in more formal contexts. 'Little brother/sister' is the base form; 'littler brother/sister' makes the age comparison explicit.
常見錯誤
5. comparative of 'little' — less serious, less significant, or less important in n
較次要
重要性或程度較低的
comparative of 'little' — less serious, less significant, or less important in nature when compared to another problem, concern, expense, or situation, such as a minor issue versus a major crisis, or a small budget item versus a large one.
Compared to the leak in the roof, the broken window was a littler problem to fix.
跟屋頂漏水比起來，窗戶破掉反而是比較小的問題。
a littler problem: less significant issue
Cyrus worried about the big presentation, but his teammate said it was a littler concern than the client meeting.
Cyrus 很擔心那個大型簡報，但他的同事說比起客戶會議，那是較次要的顧慮。
When you look at the whole budget, the office supplies are a littler expense than salaries.
從整個預算來看，辦公用品是比薪資更小的開支。
The first complaint was serious, but the second one was a littler matter that we solved quickly.
第一件投訴很嚴重，但第二件是小事，我們很快就處理好了。
Between a flat tyre and an empty petrol tank, the tyre was the littler problem to deal with.
在爆胎和沒油之間，爆胎是比較好處理的問題。
- less important
more formal and widely used
- more minor
standard comparative for 'minor'; works in formal contexts
- less serious
focuses on gravity rather than importance
- smaller
general-purpose comparative usable for importance and seriousness
- more serious
greater in gravity or significance
- bigger
informal opposite when referring to problems
- more important
greater in significance
文法句型
a littler + noun
littler + noun + than
用法筆記
This merged sense replaces the previous MORE MINOR and LESS SERIOUS entries — they overlapped so closely that keeping them separate was confusing for learners. It covers both minor issues (small problems, details) and less serious situations (inconveniences, worries). For formal writing, 'less significant', 'less serious', or 'a smaller issue' is preferred.
常見錯誤
littler — 副詞
1. used to describe something that happens or is true to an even smaller degree tha
更少地；較少
程度或數量上更小
used to describe something that happens or is true to an even smaller degree than it was before or than something else is.
After the medicine took effect, Nadia's back hurt littler than it had all week.
服藥見效後，Nadia 背部的疼痛比整個星期都來得輕微。
comparative: littler than + [clause]
Liam cared littler about the rain once he bought a thick waterproof coat.
Liam 買了一件厚防水外套後，就比較不在意下雨了。
The second film was praised littler by critics than the director's first movie.
影評人對第二部電影的讚譽不如導演的第一部作品。
Ignacio worried littler about public speaking after joining the drama club.
Ignacio 加入戲劇社之後，就比較不害怕公開演講了。
- less
the standard comparative adverb; 'less' is far more common than 'littler' in modern English
- not as much
less formal and used in everyday speech
- more
to a greater extent or degree
文法句型
littler + than + noun/clause
常見錯誤
2. happening in stages that become smaller or less noticeable over time; more gradu
逐步減少地
程度或步調逐漸變小
happening in stages that become smaller or less noticeable over time; more gradually.
The river flowed littler the further it travelled from the mountain snow.
那條河離山上的積雪越遠，流量就越來越小。
littler + the further / the more [clause]
Tamar saved money littler each month as her rent and bills kept rising.
Tamar 的房租和水電費不斷上漲，她每個月能存的錢就越來越少。
The crowd cheered littler and littler as the losing team fell further behind.
隨著落後隊伍在記分板上分數差距越來越大，觀眾的歡呼聲也越來越小。
Each winter, Old Mr Chen walked littler and needed more help from his family.
每過一個冬天，陳爺爺就走得越來越少，需要家人更多的幫助。
- more slowly
emphasises pace rather than size of stages
- by smaller degrees
more formal; used in written English
- more quickly
at a faster pace or in larger stages
文法句型
littler and littler
grow / become / get + littler
用法筆記
This sense often appears in the repeated pattern 'littler and littler' to show a continuing decrease over time.
3. to a smaller amount or degree in comparison with another person, thing, or situa
不那麼多
與他人或先前相比較少
to a smaller amount or degree in comparison with another person, thing, or situation.
Arjun ate littler at dinner after eating a large sandwich for lunch.
Arjun 午餐吃了一個大三明治，晚餐就吃得比較少。
littler + after + [reason clause]
The children played littler outdoors once the weather turned cold and wet.
天氣變冷又潮濕之後，孩子們在外面的玩耍時間就變少了。
Kenji slept littler than usual during the week before his final exams began.
Kenji 在期末考前那一週睡得比平常少。
Sade spent littler on new clothes after deciding to save for a holiday abroad.
Sade 決定存錢出國度假後，就比較少買新衣服了。
- less
standard comparative; far more common than 'littler' in modern English
- not so much
informal equivalent
- more
a larger amount or to a greater degree
文法句型
littler + than + noun/clause
常見錯誤
4. no more or better than; used to emphasise that something is just barely at the l
僅僅；勉強
不過是，勉強算是
no more or better than; used to emphasise that something is just barely at the level stated, and not beyond it.
The tiny room was littler more than a closet with a camping stove in the corner.
那個小房間簡直就是角落裡放著露營爐的壁櫥。
fixed expression: littler more than [noun]
Lotte earned littler than twenty dollars each day at her first summer job.
Lotte 第一份暑期工作每天賺不到二十美元。
The speaker's response felt littler more than an excuse dressed up in polite words.
那位講者的回應感覺只是用客氣話包裝的藉口罷了。
Cole's help on the project was littler than the work done by the junior team members.
Cole 在這個專案上的貢獻還不如團隊裡的資淺成員做的工作。
文法句型
littler than + noun phrase (hyperbole)
littler more than
用法筆記
The fixed phrase 'littler more than' (or 'little more than') is used in both literal and figurative contexts to suggest that something barely deserves the label given to it.
littler — 限定詞
1. A smaller quantity of something than what is wanted, needed, or expected — used
更少；不足
比所需或預期更少的量
A smaller quantity of something than what is wanted, needed, or expected — used when comparing one situation or period with another to show that the amount has gone down.
With littler time to prepare than last year, Wei had to cancel the company holiday party.
今年準備時間比去年更少，Wei 只好取消公司的年終派對。
littler + time + than — comparing two periods
The Watanabe family had even littler money after the flood destroyed their rice fields.
洪水摧毀了他們的水稻田之後，渡邊家的錢比之前更少了。
There is littler sugar in this cookie recipe than in the old one, so the taste is less sweet.
這個餅乾食譜用的糖比舊食譜更少，所以味道沒那麼甜。
Students received littler homework this term than before, which made the children very happy.
這學期學生的回家功課比之前更少，孩子們都開心極了。
The clinic received littler government funding this year, so the staff had to buy fewer supplies.
今年診所獲得的政府補助更少，所以員工只好少買一些用品。
- less
the standard comparative form; preferred in all registers
- more
a larger quantity of something
文法句型
littler + uncountable noun + than
用法筆記
The standard comparative form of 'little' (determiner) is 'less'. 'Littler' is occasionally heard in informal speech but should not be used in formal or academic writing.
常見錯誤
2. A smaller quantity of something, used when comparing two amounts without a negat
較少量
與另一數量相比更少的量
A smaller quantity of something, used when comparing two amounts without a negative feeling — simply stating that the amount is smaller.
Keiko asked for a littler portion of rice because she had already eaten a big lunch.
Keiko 只要了較少量的飯，因為她已經吃過一頓豐盛的午餐。
littler + portion of [uncountable noun]
The café on Elm Street uses a littler amount of cream in its coffee than the shop next door.
Elm 街那家咖啡店的咖啡加的鮮奶油比隔壁那家店更少。
Olu prefers a littler dose of medicine since the full amount makes him feel very sleepy.
Olu 偏好較少量的藥量，因為整份劑量會讓他很想睡。
My grandmother adds a littler pinch of salt to her soup than what the cookbook recommends.
我奶奶加進湯裡的鹽比食譜建議的份量更少一點。
The teacher gave the younger group a littler set of spelling words to practise at home.
老師給年紀較小的那組布置了較少量的拼字練習帶回家練習。
- less
standard comparative; works in neutral and negative contexts alike
- a smaller amount of
more formal and explicit
- more
a larger quantity
- a larger amount of
more formal opposite
文法句型
littler + uncountable noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (LESS THAN NEEDED): this sense has a neutral or even positive feeling — the smaller amount is simply a choice or a natural comparison, not necessarily insufficient.
常見錯誤
littler — 代名詞
1. A smaller quantity or degree of something, used when comparing two situations, a
較少量
比另一情況更少的數量或程度
A smaller quantity or degree of something, used when comparing two situations, amounts, or times.
Haruto spent littler time on his homework this week than last week.
Haruto 這週在作業上花的時間比上週少。
comparative: littler + noun + than
This year's festival attracted littler money from local businesses.
今年的節慶從當地商家募得的資金較少。
Rania noticed that her new apartment had littler traffic noise late at night.
Rania 注意到她的新公寓在深夜的交通噪音比較少。
There was littler food in the refugee camp this month than last month.
這個月的難民營糧食比上個月少。
The second version of the plan offered littler detail about the budget.
第二版的方案對預算提供的細節較少。
文法句型
littler + of + noun phrase
there is/are + littler + of
用法筆記
This sense compares two measurable quantities or degrees; the thing being compared is not directly named after 'littler' but is understood from context. More commonly replaced by 'less' in standard English.
常見錯誤
2. A quantity that is even more insufficient or lacking compared to a previous situ
不足量
比需要或預期更少的數量
A quantity that is even more insufficient or lacking compared to a previous situation or expectation.
After the second flood, there was even littler hope of rebuilding the village.
第二次洪水過後，重建村莊的希望更加渺茫了。
even + littler for emphasis of insufficiency
With fewer nurses on duty, the hospital had littler help to offer patients at night.
由於夜班護理師人手減少，醫院能提供給夜間病人的幫助更少了。
As the drought continued, the farmers had littler water than the year before.
乾旱持續，農民擁有的水量比前一年更少。
The team had littler reason to celebrate after losing the final match.
輸掉冠軍賽後，這支球隊更沒有理由慶祝了。
There was littler time to prepare than Amira had hoped before the exam.
Amira 能準備考試的時間比她原本希望的更少。
- less
standard comparative; 'less than needed' conveys a similar insufficiency
- not enough
more direct expression of inadequacy
文法句型
there is/are + littler + to + infinitive
littler + noun phrase + than
用法筆記
Often preceded by 'even' or 'much' to emphasize the insufficiency. This sense strongly implies a shortfall compared to what is needed or expected.