“少数” refers to the smaller part when a whole is divided into two or more parts based on quantity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a small portion of a group or quantity.
- Opposite of 'majority' or 'most'.
- Used in social, statistical, and decision-making contexts.
Overview
“少数”是一个汉语词语，指数量上占比较小的一部分。它通常用来描述人群、事物、观点等，与“多数”或“大部分”形成对比。这个词在日常交流、新闻报道、社会分析等多种场合都有广泛应用。理解“少数”的含义有助于我们更精确地描述和分析社会现象和群体构成。
“少数”可以用作主语、宾语或定语。作为主语时，它指代数量少的那部分人或事物，例如：“少数服从多数”。作为宾语时，它说明动作的对象是数量少的部分，例如：“我们应该关注少数人的声音”。作为定语时，它修饰名词，表示数量少，例如：“少数民族”、“少数股份”。
- 1社会群体： 描述社会中的少数民族、少数群体（如LGBTQ+社群）、少数意见持有者等。例如：“少数民族享有平等的权利。” 2. 统计数据： 指代数据分析中的小比例部分。例如：“只有少数人下载了新应用。” 3. 决策制定： 在投票或表决中，表示数量少的一方。例如：“少数服从多数是民主的基本原则。” 4. 资源分配： 指代被分配到少量资源的部分。例如：“这个项目只获得了少数资金支持。”
- 1多数 (duōshù): 与“少数”意思完全相反，指数量上占绝大部分。例如：“多数人同意这个提议。” 2. 大部分 (dà bùfen): 意思与“多数”相近，指占整体的很大比例。例如：“大部分学生都完成了作业。” 3. 一些 (yīxiē): 指数量不多，但比“少数”更不确定，可以指几个或一部分。例如：“这里还有一些问题需要解决。” “少数”强调的是相对比例的少，而“一些”则更侧重于数量上的不多，不一定有明确的对比对象。
Examples
在这个班级里，只有少数学生能拿到满分。
everydayIn this class, only a minority of students can get full marks.
少数民族的文化遗产应该得到保护。
formalThe cultural heritage of ethnic minorities should be protected.
别担心，只有少数几个人知道这件事。
informalDon't worry, only a handful of people know about this.
研究表明，只有少数参与者报告了轻微的不良反应。
academicResearch indicates that only a small number of participants reported mild adverse reactions.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
少数服从多数
The minority obeys the majority
少数民族
Ethnic minority
占少数
Make up the minority
Often Confused With
'多数' (duōshù) means the majority or most, directly opposing '少数' (shǎoshù).
'一些' (yīxiē) means 'some' or 'a few'. It's less specific than '少数' and doesn't necessarily imply a contrast with a larger group.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '少数' is neutral and purely quantitative. It is frequently used in discussions about demographics, politics, and social issues. Be mindful of the context; sometimes, the focus on 'minority' implies a need for special attention or protection.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using '少数' when you mean 'some' in a general sense; '一些' is often more appropriate. Ensure you are contrasting with a larger group; otherwise, the term might lack clarity. Do not confuse its literal meaning with potentially sensitive social connotations.
Tips
Contrast with Majority
Always think of '少数' (minority) in relation to '多数' (majority) or '大部分' (most).
Avoid Ambiguity
Ensure the context makes it clear what 'minority' you are referring to, especially in formal writing.
Minority Rights
In many cultures, discussions around '少数' often involve the protection and recognition of minority rights, whether ethnic, religious, or political.
Word Origin
The character '少' (shǎo) originally meant 'few' or 'little'. The character '数' (shù) means 'number' or 'count'. Together, '少数' literally means 'few in number'.
Cultural Context
In many societies, discussions about 'minorities' often touch upon issues of diversity, inclusion, and the rights of smaller groups within a larger population. The concept is central to understanding social structures and policies aimed at fairness.
Memory Tip
Think of '少数' as the 'short' or 'few' part of something. Imagine a small group standing apart from a large crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“少数”是一个更广泛的概念，可以指人，也可以指事物。而“少数人”则特指数量少的一部分人。在很多情况下，两者可以互换使用，但“少数”的适用范围更广。
这是一个重要的民主原则，意思是当集体做出决定时，少数人的意见或选择应该服从占多数人的意见或选择。它旨在保证决策的效率和集体性。
当你想表达的意思不是数量上的少，而是指“一些”或“几个”不确定的数量时，用“一些”可能更合适。另外，如果语境中没有明确的对比对象（多数），直接说“少数”可能不够清晰。
“少数”本身是一个中性词，只描述数量。但在某些语境下，如果强调少数群体的权利被忽视，或者少数意见被压制，它可能间接关联到不公平或需要关注的问题。但词语本身没有固有负面含义。
Test Yourself
在这个问题上，只有______的同学举手表示同意。
句意是同意的人不多，故用“少数”最恰当。
下列哪个句子正确使用了“少数”？
选项A中“少数人喜欢冬天”是正确的对比。选项B“少数的学生”不如“少数学生”或“极少数学生”自然。选项C“少数的决定”不符合习惯用法，应为“少数服从多数”。选项D“少数的意见很重要”是正确的用法，强调少数派的声音也应被听取。
组成句子：少数 / 尊重 / 应该 / 多数 / 少数 / 服从
这是“少数服从多数”原则的完整表述，并且强调了多数派对少数派的尊重。
Score: /3
Summary
“少数” refers to the smaller part when a whole is divided into two or more parts based on quantity.
- Refers to a small portion of a group or quantity.
- Opposite of 'majority' or 'most'.
- Used in social, statistical, and decision-making contexts.
Contrast with Majority
Always think of '少数' (minority) in relation to '多数' (majority) or '大部分' (most).
Avoid Ambiguity
Ensure the context makes it clear what 'minority' you are referring to, especially in formal writing.
Minority Rights
In many cultures, discussions around '少数' often involve the protection and recognition of minority rights, whether ethnic, religious, or political.
Examples
4 of 4在这个班级里，只有少数学生能拿到满分。
In this class, only a minority of students can get full marks.
少数民族的文化遗产应该得到保护。
The cultural heritage of ethnic minorities should be protected.
别担心，只有少数几个人知道这件事。
Don't worry, only a handful of people know about this.
研究表明，只有少数参与者报告了轻微的不良反应。
Research indicates that only a small number of participants reported mild adverse reactions.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
