小组

xiǎozǔ

group

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Understanding 小组

The word 小组 (xiǎozǔ) refers to a small group or team, often formed for a specific purpose such as a project, discussion, or task. It is commonly used in educational, workplace, and organizational contexts.

Usage and Nuance

When speakers use 小组, they imply a subdivision of a larger group into manageable units. It often suggests collaboration and focused work within a smaller circle. The term is neutral and widely applicable, suitable for formal and informal settings.

Common Collocations

  • 小组讨论 (xiǎozǔ tǎolùn): group discussion, frequently used in classrooms or meetings.
  • 小组成员 (xiǎozǔ chéngyuán): group members, referring to people within the team.
  • 小组负责人 (xiǎozǔ fùzérén): group leader or person in charge.

Tips

Avoid confusing 小组 with larger organizational units like 部门 (department) or 团队 (team), which may imply bigger or more formal groups. 小组 emphasizes the small size and often temporary or task-specific nature of the group.

Example Sentences

我们被分成几个小组来完成这个项目。

Wǒmen bèi fēnchéng jǐ gè xiǎozǔ lái wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.

We were divided into several small groups to complete this project.

小组讨论是课堂上常用的教学方法。

Xiǎozǔ tǎolùn shì kètáng shàng chángyòng de jiàoxué fāngfǎ.

Group discussion is a commonly used teaching method in class.

这个小组负责市场调研工作。

Zhège xiǎozǔ fùzé shìchǎng tiáoyán gōngzuò.

This team is responsible for market research work.