少数

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"少数" means "a small number" or "minority." It is often used to describe a minority group of people, a small portion of a population, or a limited quantity of something.

Common Contexts

  • Describing a minority ethnic group (少数民族)
  • Indicating a small number of people or things within a larger group
  • Emphasizing that although the number is small, the group or opinion still matters

Collocations

  • 少数民族 (minority ethnic groups): used in social and cultural contexts
  • 少数 (a few people): often used when referring to a small group within a larger population
  • 少数反对 (a minority opposition): used in political or social discussions

Usage Notes

"少数" is a neutral term and can be used in formal and informal contexts. It differs from "部分" which also means "a small part," but "少数" specifically emphasizes the number aspect. Avoid confusing "少数" with "少量," which refers to a small quantity but is more often used for uncountable nouns or substances.

Example Sentences

Only a small number of students in this class like math.

Minority ethnic groups have their own languages and cultures.

Although only a few people oppose it, their voices are important.