About
The character 少 originates from a representation of small particles or grains, suggesting a fundamental idea of smallness in quantity. Its structure is derived from 小 (small) with an added stroke, which historically may have served to differentiate it or imply a reduction from an already small base. While the traditional form remains identical, the character's semantic range has broadened from its core meaning of "few" or "little" to encompass the concept of "young", as in 少年 (youth), a meaning linked through the association of youth with a lesser state of maturity or experience. This dual meaning of scarcity and youth has been consistently maintained throughout its use in classical and modern texts, with the specific interpretation determined by context.
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。