Definition
稀少 (xī shǎo) means 'sparse' or 'rare', describing a low density or infrequent occurrence (e.g., sparse population, rare opportunities). Compared to 稀有 (xī yǒu), which emphasizes uncommonness and often preciousness (稀有动物), 稀少 is more neutral and can describe both distribution and frequency. 稀罕 (xī han) is a more colloquial synonym that also functions as a verb meaning 'to cherish'.
adjective
sparse (scattered distribution)rare (infrequent)
Examples
- 稀少，。Zhège dìqū rénkǒu xī shǎo, suǒyǐ hěn ānjìng.This area has a sparse population, so it's very quiet.
- 稀少，。Zhè zhǒng zhēnxī dòngwù fēicháng xī shǎo, xūyào bǎohù.This rare animal is very uncommon and needs protection.
- 稀少，。Yīnwèi gōngzuò jīhuì xī shǎo, hěnduō rén dōu bānzǒu le.Because job opportunities are scarce, many people have moved away.
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