少

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 人很少。▶ —
   Few people.
2. 少喝点酒。▶ —
   Drink less.

Collocations

Mnemonic

少 — two readings: shǎo (3rd, "few/little") vs shào (4th, "young", as in 少年 boy, 少女 girl). Antonym: 多 duō. Cognate of Japanese 少ない sukunai / shō.

Quick check

1. 少年 reading?

   • shàonián (4th)
   • shǎonián (3rd)
   • xiǎo nián
   • shàonǚ