Verb phrasesHSK 4
Doing something less with 少
Use 少 before a verb to express doing something less or to soften a command, often with 点 for a milder tone. Avoid using a direct negative command (不要/别) when 少 can make the suggestion sound less bossy.
Structure
少 + Verb (+ 点) (+ Obj.)
Often used with 点 to soften the command or suggestion.
Examples
- 请少放点盐。Qǐng shǎo fàng diǎn yán.Use less salt, please.
- 少吃垃圾食品。Shǎo chī lājī shípǐn.Eat less junk food.
- 少买点，吃不完会坏的。Shǎo mǎi diǎn, chī bu wán huì huài de.Don't buy too much. It will go bad if we can't finish eating it all.
- 快期中考试了，少玩点游戏吧。Kuài qīzhōng kǎoshì le, shǎo wán diǎn yóuxì ba.The mid-term exams are coming up. Go easy on the video games.
- 少吃点肉，多吃点蔬菜。Shǎo chī diǎn ròu, duō chī diǎn shūcài.Eat less meat and eat more vegetables.