稀少 describes something that is scarce or rarely seen in a specific environment.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to something that is rare or in short supply.
- Used to describe low quantity or low frequency of occurrence.
- Often used in geographical or ecological contexts.
Overview
- 1概述：稀少是一个描述性形容词，核心含义是“少见”或“稀缺”。它强调的是数量上的匮乏，或者在某一时间、空间内出现的频率极低。2) 用法模式：在句子中，它通常作定语（如：稀少的人口）或谓语（如：这里雨水稀少）。它既可以形容具体的物体，也可以形容抽象的概念。3) 常见语境：该词常用于地理描述（如：人烟稀少）、生态保护（如：稀少的植物品种）以及资源评估（如：稀少的矿产资源）。它带有一种客观陈述的色彩，有时也隐含着因珍贵而稀少的意味。4) 近义词辨析：“稀少”与“稀有”虽意思相近，但“稀有”更侧重于强调珍贵和不常见（如：稀有金属），而“稀少”侧重于强调数量上的贫乏或密度上的疏散。
Examples
这个地区的植被非常稀少。
everydayThe vegetation in this area is very scarce.
由于降雨稀少，当地面临干旱问题。
formalDue to scarce rainfall, the area is facing drought problems.
人烟稀少的地方往往风景更好。
informalPlaces with few people often have better scenery.
该物种数量稀少，已被列为保护对象。
academicThe species is rare and has been listed for protection.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
人烟稀少
sparsely populated
极其稀少
extremely scarce
数量稀少
small in number
Often Confused With
稀疏 refers to the physical distance between objects being wide (e.g., sparse hair or trees). It focuses on density/spacing rather than just quantity.
稀有 emphasizes rarity and value. Something '稀有' is precious because it is hard to find, whereas '稀少' simply means there isn't much of it.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
稀少 is a formal adjective used primarily in descriptive writing. It is more sophisticated than the conversational '很少'. It is most effective when describing natural landscapes or large-scale phenomena.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '稀少' for countable objects like 'apples' or 'books', which sounds unnatural. It is better to use '很少' for small, countable items. Always remember the collocation '人烟稀少' instead of '人稀少'.
Tips
Use with geographical locations
Combine '稀少' with locations like '沙漠' or '高山' to describe low population density. It creates a vivid image of emptiness.
Avoid using for countable small numbers
Don't use '稀少' to describe a small number of items in your pocket. It is better suited for large-scale distributions.
Environmental awareness
In China, '稀少' is frequently used in environmental news to highlight endangered species or scarce natural resources.
Word Origin
The character '稀' implies sparse or thin, while '少' means few. Combined, they depict a state where items are spread thin and are low in number.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, describing a place as '人烟稀少' often carries a sense of tranquility or isolation, which is frequently appreciated in poetry and travel writing.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'rare' (稀) desert where trees are 'few' (少). The word '稀少' paints a picture of a vast, empty space.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“很少”侧重于数量上的少，是口语中常用的词；“稀少”语气更正式，侧重于分布的疏散或某种事物的不常见。
可以，但通常不直接说“人稀少”，而是说“人烟稀少”，用来形容某个地区居住的人口非常少。
不完全一样。“稀少”强调数量少；“稀缺”则强调供不应求，通常带有强烈的经济学或资源紧缺的含义。
非常常用。在书面语和正式报告中，用“稀少”代替“很少”能提升文章的专业度和文学色彩。
Test Yourself
这个偏远的山村由于交通不便，常年人烟___。
“人烟稀少”是一个固定搭配，形容居住人口极少。
以下哪种情况最适合使用“稀少”？
“稀少”常用于描述大环境下的分布状况。
这里/雨水/气候/稀少/干燥/。 (排列成句)
符合中文的逻辑表达顺序。
Score: /3
Summary
稀少 describes something that is scarce or rarely seen in a specific environment.
- Refers to something that is rare or in short supply.
- Used to describe low quantity or low frequency of occurrence.
- Often used in geographical or ecological contexts.
Use with geographical locations
Combine '稀少' with locations like '沙漠' or '高山' to describe low population density. It creates a vivid image of emptiness.
Avoid using for countable small numbers
Don't use '稀少' to describe a small number of items in your pocket. It is better suited for large-scale distributions.
Environmental awareness
In China, '稀少' is frequently used in environmental news to highlight endangered species or scarce natural resources.
Examples
4 of 4这个地区的植被非常稀少。
The vegetation in this area is very scarce.
由于降雨稀少，当地面临干旱问题。
Due to scarce rainfall, the area is facing drought problems.
人烟稀少的地方往往风景更好。
Places with few people often have better scenery.
该物种数量稀少，已被列为保护对象。
The species is rare and has been listed for protection.
