Meaning
少 is a fundamental character with two pronunciations. As shǎo, it means 'few' or 'little,' expressing scarcity or insufficiency. As shào, it means 'young' and appears in words relating to youth. The character is extremely common in everyday Chinese for comparisons, quantities, and age-related expressions.
Usage
When pronounced shǎo, it often appears in phrases like 少一点 (a little less) or 多少 (how much/many). When comparing quantities, 少 contrasts with 多 (many/much). The shào pronunciation is mainly seen in fixed compounds like 少年 (youth) or 少数 (minority). In colloquial speech, 少 can mean 'don't' in imperative sentences (少说话 = stop talking).
Examples
- 01人太多了，我们少来几个人吧。, .There are too many people; let's have fewer people come.
- 02这件衣服至少要一百块钱。.This piece of clothing costs at least one hundred yuan.
Common collocations
- 多少how much/many
- 少一点a little less
- 至少at least
- 缺少to lack, to be short of
Antonyms
Origin
The character originally depicted four small dots beneath a line, symbolizing 'small' or 'few.' Over time it evolved to its current form combining elements suggesting division or reduction.