Meanings of 减少
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Podcast: 减少
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AI Study Notes for 减少
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.
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.
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.
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.'
Pronunciation of 减少
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Component Characters
How to say to lessen in Chinese
“to lessen” in Chinese is减少
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.
When to use 减少
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.
减少 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.'
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Practice writing 减少 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
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不断有人提醒我们要____脂肪的摄入量。
We are constantly being reminded to cut down our fat intake.
Example Sentences for 减少 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 减少
Yes, 减少 can be used with both types of nouns, but ensure the context is clear.
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