少
small in number; lack; slightly
Meanings
5 senses · 25 examplesadjective
small in quantity; few
neutralUsed to describe the amount or number of something, opposite of 多 (duō, many/much).
There is only a small amount of mineral water here.
Being surprised by something common is a typical mindset.
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The number of students in this class is very small.
Eating less but more meals is good for your health.
This kind of plant is very rare in northern China.
verb
to be short; to lack
neutralUsed to describe a deficit in quantity or number, opposite of 多.
This bill was miscalculated, it's one yuan short.
All the students are here, not one is missing.
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This project is still short of some funding.
A wallet is missing from my backpack.
Today's homework is much less than yesterday's.
verb
to lose; to misplace
neutralUsed when something is accidentally lost or gone missing.
I lost a set of keys at home yesterday.
A printer is missing from the office.
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He found that his cellphone was missing.
A coat is missing from the suitcase.
Several hundred yuan are missing from Mom's wallet.
verb
to owe; to be in debt
neutralUsed to describe a financial debt owed to someone.
I have paid back all the money I owed others.
He still owes the bank a loan.
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This company owes a lot of payment to its suppliers.
When will you pay back the money you owe me?
She still owes her friend several thousand yuan.
adverb
slightly; temporarily
formalUsed to indicate a small degree or short duration of an action.
Please wait a moment, I will be right there.
Stay a little longer before leaving, it's raining outside.
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This dish will taste better with a little less salt.
Calm down a bit, we will solve the problem soon.
Please hold on for a moment while I organize the materials first.