gaam2 siu2減少减少

Jyutpinggaam2 siu2

Yalegáam síu

動詞Common

Definition

To reduce, decrease, or cut down; to make a quantity, number, or quality smaller.

neutraldaily actionshealth

How it's used

While 減少 is standard and widely understood, it often carries a slightly formal or technical tone in daily speech. When talking about everyday habits or casual situations, native speakers frequently prefer using the phrase 少咗 or 減低 instead. It is commonly used in contexts involving statistics, budgets, or health advice.

Examples

zeoi3最gan6近tin1天hei3氣dung3凍zo2咗，gei3記dak1得gaam2減siu2少cung1沖loeng4涼ci3次sou3數。

The weather has turned cold lately, remember to cut down on how often you shower.

nei5你ho2可m4唔ho2可ji5以gaam2減siu2少di1啲tong4糖fan1分sip3攝ceoi2取aa4呀？

Can you reduce your sugar intake?

Common phrases

gaam2減siu2少zi1支ceot1出

reduce expenses

gaam2減siu2少fu6負daam1擔

reduce the burden

Common mistake

Learners often use 減少 when they actually mean to stop or quit something entirely, but it specifically refers to a reduction in quantity or frequency rather than total elimination.