verb HSK 2
Traditional 減
to subtract · to reduce · to decrease · to lose (weight)
Meaning
减 means to make something less or smaller by taking away from it. It's used in mathematical contexts for subtraction, but also commonly for reducing quantities, losing weight, or decreasing prices and other amounts.
Usage
Very commonly used in daily conversation, especially in compounds like 减肥 (to lose weight) and 减价 (to reduce prices). Often paired with other verbs to specify what is being reduced. The tone is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Examples
- 01五减三等于二。.Five minus three equals two.
- 02我最近在减肥，少吃很多东西。, .I'm losing weight recently, eating much less.
Common collocations
- 减肥to lose weight
- 减价to reduce prices, discount
- 减少to reduce, to decrease
- 减轻to lighten, to alleviate
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 減 combines the water radical 氵(suggesting flow or reduction) with 咸 (xiǎn, meaning all/complete), originally suggesting a complete reduction or lessening of water or other substances.