一
yī
One, 1
一 (yī) — every little bit counts
Verb + 一 (yī) + X + 是 (shì) + 一 (yī) + X
HSK 43.0
Pattern diagram
Action一Measure word是一Measure word
Rule structure
Verb + 一 (yī)X是一 (shì yī)X emphasizes that even a small result counts: “whatever we can get is worthwhile.” X denotes a unit or amount, such as 一点儿 (yī diǎn ér) (yìdiǎnr), “a little.” The frame accepts a limited result; it does not require habitual repetition of the action.
Rule structure
Verb + 一 (yī)X是一 (shì yī)X emphasizes that even a small result counts: “whatever we can get is worthwhile.” X denotes a unit or amount, such as 一点儿 (yī diǎn ér) (yìdiǎnr), “a little.” The frame accepts a limited result; it does not require habitual repetition of the action.
Examples
钱不多，存一点儿是一点儿。
Qián bù duō, cún yìdiǎnr shì yìdiǎnr.
There isn't much money, but saving even a little counts.
钱不多，买一件是一件。
Qián bù duō, mǎi yí jiàn shì yí jiàn.
There isn't much money, but buying even one item counts.
Examples
钱不多，存一点儿是一点儿。
Qián bù duō, cún yìdiǎnr shì yìdiǎnr.
There isn't much money, but saving even a little counts.
钱不多，买一件是一件。
Qián bù duō, mǎi yí jiàn shì yí jiàn.
There isn't much money, but buying even one item counts.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “every little bit counts” in Chinese with 一?
Use the structure: Verb + 一 (yī) + X + 是 (shì) + 一 (yī) + X. For example: 钱不多，存一点儿是一点儿。 — “There isn't much money, but saving even a little counts”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
钱不多，存一点儿是一点儿。 — “There isn't much money, but saving even a little counts”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 4.
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More HSK 3.0 Level 4 grammar rules
够 — “so… / really…” with 的
够 (gòu) + Adj. + 的 (de)
来得及 / 来不及 — having enough time
来得及 (láidejí) / 来不及 (láibují) + Verb
拿 — take as an example
拿 (ná) + Noun + 来说 (lái shuō), ...
是 — X is X, Y is Y
X + 是 (shì) + X，Y + 是 (shì) + Y
有什么 — no point in doing it
有什么 (yǒu shénme) + 好 (hǎo) + Verb + 的 (de) / 没什么 (méi shénme) + 好 (hǎo) + Verb + 的 (de)
怎么 — no matter how hard one tries
怎么 (zěnme) + (Verb) + 都 (dōu) / 也 (yě) + Negative result
还 — challenging a claim
还 (hái) + X + 呢 (ne)
你 — go ahead and do it: 你X你的吧
你 (nǐ) + Verb + 你的 (nǐ de) + 吧 (ba)