少数

The Chinese word 少数 (shǎoshù) is composed of two characters: 少 (shǎo), meaning "few" or "small", and 数 (shù), meaning "number" or "quantity". Together, they literally mean "small number" or "minority".The word 少数 is often used to refer to a minority group, such as an ethnic minority or a religious minority. It can also be used to refer to a small number of something, such as a small number of people or a small amount of money.The character 少 is also used in other words with similar meanings, such as 少量 (shǎoliàng), meaning "small amount", and 少数民族 (shǎoshù mínzú), meaning "ethnic minority".The character 数 is also used in other words with similar meanings, such as 数量 (shùliàng), meaning "quantity", and 数字 (shùzì), meaning "number".By understanding the etymology of the word 少数, HSK learners can better understand its meaning and usage in Chinese.