In 15 Seconds
- Use it to describe making any quantity smaller or less.
- Place the noun directly after the verb for easy sentences.
- Works perfectly for both physical objects and abstract feelings.
Meaning
It simply means to make something less than it was before. You use it when you're cutting down on coffee, seeing fewer people, or lowering a price.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about health goals
我需要减少喝咖啡的次数。
I need to reduce the number of times I drink coffee.
A business meeting about costs
公司决定减少今年的开支。
The company decided to reduce this year's expenses.
Texting a friend about being busy
最近工作太忙，我要减少约会了。
Work is too busy lately, I need to reduce my social outings.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a growing trend of 'Low-carbon living' (低碳生活) in China. It gained massive popularity in policy-making and environmental ads over the last decade. It also connects to the ancient Taoist idea of 'subtraction' to find one's true self.
The 'Noun' Rule
Remember that `减少` is almost always followed by a noun. Don't just say 'I reduced.' Say 'I reduced [something].'
Size vs. Quantity
Don't use `减少` for physical size (like a smaller box). Use it for quantities you can count or measure, like money, time, or items.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to describe making any quantity smaller or less.
- Place the noun directly after the verb for easy sentences.
- Works perfectly for both physical objects and abstract feelings.
What It Means
减少 is your go-to word for 'lessening' anything. It describes a drop in quantity or intensity. Think of it like a downward arrow on a chart. It is simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You usually put the object right after the verb. For example, 减少压力 means reducing stress. You can also use it for physical things like 减少垃圾 (reducing trash). It works for abstract concepts too. It is a very flexible 'Lego' piece in your Chinese vocabulary.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound clear and proactive. Use it at the gym when talking about weight. Use it at work when discussing costs. It is perfect for New Year's resolutions. If you are trying to simplify your life, 减少 is your best friend. It sounds natural in almost any setting.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for 'lowering' a physical height. For that, you want 降低. Also, don't use it for 'shrinking' in size like a shirt in the wash. That is 缩水. If you are talking about people leaving a room, use 变少 instead. 减少 usually implies a deliberate or measurable reduction.
Cultural Background
In modern China, 减少 is everywhere due to the 'Minimalism' trend. Young people talk about 减少社交 (reducing socialising) to find peace. It is also a keyword in environmental slogans. You will see it on posters about saving water or electricity. It reflects a shift from 'more is better' to 'less is more'.
Common Variations
You might hear 缩减 in business for budget cuts. In casual talk, people might just say 少了. But 减少 remains the most balanced version. It is not too slangy and not too stiff. It is the 'Goldilocks' of reduction words. Use it and you will sound like you know exactly what you are doing.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral verb suitable for all levels of formality. Just ensure you are reducing a quantity or an abstract noun, not a physical height or size.
The 'Noun' Rule
Remember that `减少` is almost always followed by a noun. Don't just say 'I reduced.' Say 'I reduced [something].'
Size vs. Quantity
Don't use `减少` for physical size (like a smaller box). Use it for quantities you can count or measure, like money, time, or items.
The Polite Refusal
In China, if someone offers you too much food, saying you want to `减少` your intake is a polite, health-conscious way to decline without being rude.
Examples
6我需要减少喝咖啡的次数。
I need to reduce the number of times I drink coffee.
A very common way to talk about habits.
公司决定减少今年的开支。
The company decided to reduce this year's expenses.
Standard professional usage for financial topics.
最近工作太忙，我要减少约会了。
Work is too busy lately, I need to reduce my social outings.
Casual and relatable for busy city life.
我的钱包在减少，但我的体重没减少！
My wallet is shrinking, but my weight isn't!
Uses the word twice for a funny contrast.
你应该减少工作量，多休息。
You should reduce your workload and rest more.
Shows care and gives practical advice.
减少塑料使用，保护地球。
Reduce plastic use, protect the Earth.
Formal imperative used in public service ads.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about healthy living.
为了健康，你应该___吃甜食。
To be healthy, you should 'reduce' (减少) sweets, not 'increase' (增加) them.
Complete the sentence about a sale.
商店的衣服___了百分之五十。
When describing a specific percentage reduction, `减少` is the correct formal verb.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Reduce'
Using 'shǎo' for simple 'less'.
少放盐 (Put less salt).
Standard 'jiǎnshǎo' for most situations.
减少压力 (Reduce stress).
Using 'suōjiǎn' for structural cuts.
缩减预算 (Trim the budget).
Where to use 减少
Health
Reduce sugar
Finance
Reduce spending
Environment
Reduce waste
Work
Reduce meetings
Practice Bank
2 exercises为了健康，你应该___吃甜食。
To be healthy, you should 'reduce' (减少) sweets, not 'increase' (增加) them.
商店的衣服___了百分之五十。
When describing a specific percentage reduction, `减少` is the correct formal verb.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but usually we say 减肥 (jiǎnféi) for the act of dieting. You can say 减少体重 (jiǎnshǎo tǐzhòng) in a medical or formal context.
Not exactly. 'Less' is an adjective, while 减少 is a verb. It means 'to make less'.
You say 减少了百分之十 (jiǎnshǎo le bǎi fēn zhī shí). The 了 indicates the change has happened.
Yes, if you mean the number of people. For example, 减少人数 (reducing the number of people) for a party list.
Absolutely. It's very common in texts when talking about plans or habits like 减少玩手机 (reducing phone time).
减少 is for quantity (how many), while 降低 (jiàngdī) is for levels or standards (how high/low), like temperature or quality.
It sounds a bit cold. For emotions, we usually say 淡了 (faded). 减少 is better for things you can track or measure.
In very casual speech, you can just use 减 (jiǎn), like 减薪 (jiǎnxīn) for a pay cut.
Not at all! It's often positive, like 减少痛苦 (reducing pain) or 减少麻烦 (reducing trouble).
Yes, 减少开支 (reducing spending) is common, but for a price tag, 降价 (jiàngjià) is more specific.
Related Phrases
降低
To lower (levels/standards)
增加
To increase
节约
To save/conserve
删减
To cut down/edit out (text/scenes)
