The difference between 有点儿 and 一点儿

有(一)点儿 (yǒu (yī) diǎn’r) and 一点儿 (yīdiǎn’r) both mean “a little” and can often be confused with each other. In fact, their use is different. 有(一)点儿, where 一 is usually omitted, is always placed before adjectives and verbs and indicates an undefined but not large amount.

现在我有点儿忙，不能来。
xiànzài wǒ yǒudiǎn’r máng, bùnéng lái
[now I a-little busy not can to-come]
Now I’m a little busy, I can’t come.

这个手机有点儿贵。
zhège shǒujī yǒudiǎn’r guì
[this QU mobile-phone a-little expensive]
This mobile phone is a bit expensive.

一点儿, on the contrary, is placed after adjectives and verbs and has comparative value. Therefore, it means “a little more” with regard to something previous.

小声一点儿！
xiǎoshēng yīdiǎn’r
[speak-in-whispers a-little]
Lower your voice a little!

有没有便宜一点儿的手机？
yǒu méiyǒu piányí yīdiǎn’r de shǒujī?
[there-is not there-is cheap a-little ST mobile-phone]
Is there a cheaper mobile phone?

一点儿 when followed by 都 (dōu) or 也不 (yě bù) means “not at all”.

放心，我一点儿也不累。
fàngxīn, wǒ yīdiǎn’r yě bù lèi
[to-rest-assured I a-little not-at-all tired]
Don’t worry, I’m not tired at all.

这件事跟我一点儿关系都没有。
zhè jiàn shì gēn wǒ yīdiǎn’r guānxì dōu méiyǒu
[this QU matter with me a-little connections at-all not to-have]
This matter has nothing to do with me at all.

Cover background picture by 偉宗勞 (unsplash.com)