稍不注意／稍有不慎，就…
the slightest lapse and…; one careless moment and…
Structure
稍（一）不 注意／留神 ， （主语）就 坏结果 · 稍有不慎 ， 就／便 坏结果
What it means
“The slightest lapse and …”: if you are even a little careless, something bad follows.
How it is built
稍（一）不 + 注意／留神，(subject) + 就 + bad result: 稍不注意就会中暑 (The slightest carelessness can bring on heatstroke). Set written form: 稍有不慎，就／便…
When to use it
稍有不慎 suits safety warnings, travel advice and news. 一 stresses suddenness: 稍一不留神. For a good result use 只要…就 or 稍加 + verb: 稍加注意就能避免.
Watch out
Keep 稍 before 不, and do not drop the 不: ✗不稍注意 ✗稍注意就会中暑 (says the opposite) ✓稍不注意就会中暑.
Examples
盛夏在户外干活，稍不注意就会中暑。
Work outdoors at the height of summer and the slightest carelessness can bring on heatstroke.
山路又窄又陡，开车稍有不慎，就可能冲下山坡。
The mountain road is narrow and steep: one careless moment at the wheel and you could go off the edge.
雨后山路很滑，稍一不留神就会摔倒。
After rain the mountain paths are slippery; look away for a second and you will fall.
Learn this in Lesson 143 · HSK 7–9: 去哪儿避暑 (Escaping the summer heat)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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