1. Home
  2. Grammar Points
  3. Expressing "almost" using 差点没 ("cha4dian3mei2")

Expressing "almost" using 差点没 ("cha4dian3mei2")

差点没 chàdiǎn méi

Adverb
HSK 4

Structure

Subj. + 差点 + 没 + Verb Phrase Subj. + 差点 (+ 没) + Verb Phrase

Translations

  • almost

Definition

表示某种情况几乎发生但最终没有发生，或表示庆幸事情没有发生。有时也用于强调某事差点发生。

Indicates that something almost happened but didn't, or expresses relief that something didn't happen. Sometimes used to emphasize that something nearly occurred.

Usage

常用于口语中，后接动词短语，表示“差点儿就……了（但没发生）”。注意：在肯定句中常表示“差点没发生”（有庆幸意味），但在具体语境中也可能表示“差点发生了”。

Commonly used in spoken Chinese, followed by a verb phrase, meaning 'almost did something (but didn't).' In affirmative sentences, it often implies relief that something didn't happen, but in context it can also mean 'almost happened.'

Examples

  • 1 我差点没赶上火车。（I almost missed the train.）
  • 2 他差点没通过考试。（He almost failed the exam.）
  • 3 我们差点没找到那家餐厅。（We almost couldn't find that restaurant.）
  • 4 她差点没哭出来。（She almost burst into tears.）
  • 5 我差点没认出你来。（I almost didn't recognize you.）

Put it into practice

Exam-style HSK drills with instant scoring and explanations.

Find my HSK level

Free · about 3 minutes · no account needed