🇨🇳 How to say

“few” in Chinese

少shǎo
Illustration of "few" in a Chinese cultural setting
A person empties a bowl of candy onto a table, and after a friend takes a large handful, only a few colorful pieces remain scattered on the wood.

Usage note

Use 少 to describe a small quantity or amount of something, like people, objects, or ingredients. It's a very common adjective, and when used with verbs like 放 (to put), it can also mean 'less of' an action.

Examples

  • 我只有很少的糖。

    I have very little candy.

  • 这个班的学生很少。

    There are very few students in this class.

  • 请少放一点盐。

    Please put in a little less salt.

Quick check

What does "少" mean?

  • A. few
  • B. old
  • C. slow
  • D. good

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