Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
减少(減少)jiǎnshǎo(jian3shao3)
减少 (jiǎn shǎo) means to lessen, decrease, or reduce something. It is commonly used in contexts such as reducing expenses, cutting down on waste, or lowering a quantity. The term conveys a sense of making something smaller or less in amount, intensity, or degree.
Frequency#4076DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In discussions about sustainability in China, 减少 is often used in the context of reducing pollution and waste, reflecting the country's growing environmental awareness and policies aimed at addressing climate change.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'giant' (sounds like 'jian') sitting on a scale that is 'shao' (少), making it drop lower. The giant represents anything excessive, and as he gets off, the scale indicates a reduction, linking the visual of a giant's weight to the concept of decreasing.
Meanings of 减少
jiǎnshǎo(jian3shao3)
1to lessen
2to decrease
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 减少
减少Simplified
減少Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4076Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 减少
Podcast: 减少
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 减少
Quick Contrast
减少 (jiǎnshǎo) vs 降低 (jiàngdī): use 减少 when referring to a reduction in quantity or number, while 降低 is more appropriate for lowering levels or intensity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'giant' (sounds like 'jian') sitting on a scale that is 'shao' (少), making it drop lower. The giant represents anything excessive, and as he gets off, the scale indicates a reduction, linking the visual of a giant's weight to the concept of decreasing.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 减少 with 下降 (xià jiàng), which specifically means 'to fall' or 'to drop.' While both can imply a decrease, 减少 is more general and can apply to various contexts. Ensure you use the correct tone: jian3 shao3.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 减少 is useful for discussing topics related to economics and environmental issues, linking it to other vocabulary like 增加 (zēng jiā, to increase) or 变化 (biàn huà, change). Focus on practicing its usage in sentences that contrast reduction and increase.
Cultural Note
In discussions about sustainability in China, 减少 is often used in the context of reducing pollution and waste, reflecting the country's growing environmental awareness and policies aimed at addressing climate change.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say '减少的' (jiǎn shǎo de) incorrectly when they mean to express a decrease in something specific, instead of just saying '减少.' For example, instead of saying '减少的费用' (jiǎn shǎo de fèiyòng), use '减少费用' (jiǎn shǎo fèiyòng) to correctly convey 'reduce expenses.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 减少
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 减少 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 减少 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 减少
减少 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
If the Europeans did not reduce subsidies, a trade war would ensue.
Cultural Notes for 减少
🏮Cultural insight
In discussions about sustainability in China, 减少 is often used in the context of reducing pollution and waste, reflecting the country's growing environmental awareness and policies aimed at addressing climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions about 减少
Yes, 减少 can be used with both types of nouns, but ensure the context is clear.
减少 is more general, while 削减 (xuē jiǎn) implies a more deliberate cut, often used in financial contexts.
