How to Write 少
The character 少 (shǎo) is written with 4 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 小 is one of its key components.
Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.
Meaning & Pronunciation
少 is pronounced shǎo in Mandarin Chinese. It means Few; little; less.
This is a polyphonic character with readings: shǎo, shào.
As an HSK Level 1 character, 少 is among the first characters beginners learn.
Common Words with 少
Example Sentences
你知道这个书包需要多少钱吗？
nǐ zhī dào zhè ge shū bāo xū yào duō shǎo qián ma
Do you know how much this schoolbag costs?
为了环保，我们要尽量减少塑料袋的使用。
wèi le huán bǎo wǒ men yào jǐn liàng jiǎn shǎo sù liào dài de shǐ yòng
For environmental protection, we should minimize the use of plastic bags.
那个充满活力的少年正在球场上奔跑。
nà ge chōng mǎn huó lì de shào nián zhèng zài qiú chǎng shàng bēn pǎo
The energetic youth is running on the sports field.
在一些旧电影里，常能看到富家少爷的身影。
zài yī xiē jiù diàn yǐng lǐ cháng néng kàn dào fù jiā shào yé de shēn yǐng
In some old movies, one can often see the figures of young masters from wealthy families.
Practice Writing 少 (shǎo)
Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 少 with real-time feedback.