In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe physical size of objects or spaces.
- Change 'chhota' to 'chhoti' for feminine nouns.
- Simple A1 level sentence for daily shopping and descriptions.
Meaning
This phrase is used to point out that something is small in size, length, or scale. It is a direct and simple way to describe an object, a piece of clothing, or even a problem that isn't a big deal.
Key Examples
3 of 6Shopping for clothes
Yeh shirt chhota hai.
This shirt is small.
In a formal meeting regarding a budget
Yeh budget chhota hai.
This budget is small.
Texting a friend about a gift
Dabba chhota hai par gift achha hai!
The box is small but the gift is good!
Cultural Background
The terms 'Chhota' and 'Bada' are essential for navigating family dynamics. You rarely call a younger sibling by name alone; you often refer to them as 'Chhota' or 'Chhotu' as a nickname. Portion sizes in India are often described as 'Half' or 'Full,' but 'Chhota' is used for small plates or smaller varieties of snacks like 'Chhota Samosa.' The phrase 'Chhota Packet Bada Dhamaka' is a popular idiom used in reality shows and movies to describe talented children. In business, referring to a company as 'Chhoti Company' can be seen as dismissive. It's better to use 'Startup' or 'Nayi Company' (New Company).
The 'Sa' Trick
Add 'sa' (छोटा सा) to sound 10x more like a native speaker. It makes you sound polite and natural.
Gender Trap
Always check if the object is feminine. 'Chhota' is for boys/masculine things, 'Chhoti' is for girls/feminine things.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe physical size of objects or spaces.
- Change 'chhota' to 'chhoti' for feminine nouns.
- Simple A1 level sentence for daily shopping and descriptions.
What It Means
Yeh chhota hai is your go-to sentence for size descriptions. Yeh means 'this', chhota means 'small', and hai is the verb 'is'. It is simple, punchy, and gets the job done. Whether you are holding a tiny cup of chai or looking at a shirt that definitely won't fit, this is the phrase you need.
How To Use It
Use it just like you would in English. Point at the object and say the phrase. If you are talking about a masculine object (like a kamra or room), use chhota. If the object is feminine (like a ghadi or watch), you must change it to yeh chhoti hai. Hindi is picky about gender like that! It is a great building block for beginners because the word order is very logical.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly while shopping. If a shopkeeper shows you a rug that won't fit your floor, say yeh chhota hai. Use it when someone gives you a tiny portion of food (though maybe say it jokingly!). It is also great for describing distances or time periods that feel short. It is a very practical, everyday observation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this to describe people unless you are talking about a child. Calling an adult chhota can sound belittling or rude. Also, don't use it for social status or rank in a formal setting. There are better words for 'junior' or 'subordinate'. If a situation is serious or tragic, calling it 'small' might make you seem insensitive. Read the room before you minimize things!
Cultural Background
In India, size often relates to 'Bada' (Big) vs 'Chhota' (Small). Being 'Chhota' isn't always bad. It can imply something is cute or manageable. However, in a culture that loves big weddings and big celebrations, calling something chhota can sometimes imply it is humble or modest. It is a word that carries the weight of physical dimension and social standing simultaneously.
Common Variations
If you want to say 'It is very small', add bahut to get yeh bahut chhota hai. To turn it into a question, just change your tone: yeh chhota hai? (Is this small?). If you are talking about multiple things, the phrase shifts to ye chhote hain. It is a flexible little sentence that grows with your vocabulary.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, A1-level phrase suitable for all social settings. The main 'gotcha' is the gender agreement (chhota vs chhoti).
The 'Sa' Trick
Add 'sa' (छोटा सा) to sound 10x more like a native speaker. It makes you sound polite and natural.
Gender Trap
Always check if the object is feminine. 'Chhota' is for boys/masculine things, 'Chhoti' is for girls/feminine things.
Age Matters
If someone is even one year younger than you, they are your 'chhota bhai' or 'chhoti behen'.
Examples
6Yeh shirt chhota hai.
This shirt is small.
Directly telling the shopkeeper the size isn't right.
Yeh budget chhota hai.
This budget is small.
Using the phrase to describe an abstract amount.
Dabba chhota hai par gift achha hai!
The box is small but the gift is good!
A common way to manage expectations.
Arre, yeh toh bahut chhota hai!
Oh, this is way too small!
Adding 'toh' and 'bahut' for emphasis and frustration.
Main kitna chhota tha.
I was so small.
Using the past tense version to reflect on growth.
Kya yeh portion chhota hai?
Is this portion small?
Asking a clarifying question before ordering.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'chhota'.
यह किताब ____ है। (This book is small.)
'Kitab' (book) is feminine, so we use 'chhoti'.
Which sentence is correct for 'These boxes are small'?
Choose the correct plural form:
'Ye' and 'dibbe' are plural, so 'chhote' and 'hain' must be used.
Match the Hindi phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are common pairings for the word 'chhota'.
Complete the dialogue.
Shopkeeper: क्या यह कुर्ता ठीक है? Learner: नहीं, यह ____ है।
In a shopping context, 'chhota' (small) is a common reason a garment isn't 'thik' (okay).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Chhota vs. Chhoti
Common Uses of Chhota
Objects
- • Bag
- • Pen
- • Box
People
- • Brother
- • Sister
- • Child
Places
- • Town
- • Room
- • Shop
Practice Bank
4 exercisesयह किताब ____ है। (This book is small.)
'Kitab' (book) is feminine, so we use 'chhoti'.
Choose the correct plural form:
'Ye' and 'dibbe' are plural, so 'chhote' and 'hain' must be used.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common pairings for the word 'chhota'.
Shopkeeper: क्या यह कुर्ता ठीक है? Learner: नहीं, यह ____ है।
In a shopping context, 'chhota' (small) is a common reason a garment isn't 'thik' (okay).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's better to say 'unka kad chhota hai' (their stature is small) to be more polite.
The opposite is 'bada' (बड़ा), which means big.
No, for time we use 'kam' (less) or 'thoda' (a little). For example: 'thode samay mein' (in a little time).
Yes, for masculine plural it becomes 'chhote' (छोटे). For feminine plural, it stays 'chhoti' (छोटी).
It literally means 'small thinking' but idiomatically means 'narrow-mindedness'.
No, for a discount we use 'kam' (less) or 'chhoti chhoot' (rare). Usually, we say 'thoda kam karo' (reduce it a little).
It is neutral and can be used in any setting.
Use 'isse chhota' (smaller than this) or 'aur chhota' (more small).
It's a common nickname for a young boy, often used affectionately or for young workers.
Yes, 'chhoti film' is a common way to say a short film.
Related Phrases
बड़ा है
contrastIt is big
कम है
similarIt is less
नन्हा है
specialized formIt is tiny/cute
छोटा सा
builds onSmall-ish
नाटा है
specialized formHe is short (stature)
