About
The character "少" originated as a graphical variant of "小" (small), distinguished by an additional diagonal stroke to specifically denote the concept of fewness or scarcity, a structural composition that remains unchanged in contemporary usage. Etymologically, it serves as a comparative derivative of "小", emphasizing relative deficiency rather than absolute size. Over time, its meaning broadened from indicating a small quantity to encompass the state of being young, as seen in compound words referring to youth, and further evolved to function as a verb meaning to lack or to be insufficient.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我很少喝酒。
他少年时很胖。
请少放点糖。
这里人很少。
至少需要五天。
我们减少了浪费。
少数人同意这个计划。
如果你少花点钱，就能存更多。