減少 / 减少
jiǎnshǎo
The English verb 'decrease' is translated into Chinese as 減少 / 减少 (jiǎnshǎo). Wiktionary also lists 下降 (xiàjiàng).
Meaning: become smaller (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 減少 / 减少 | jiǎnshǎo |
| 下降 | xiàjiàng |
減少 / 减少 is a versatile term used to describe a reduction in quantity, number or volume. It can function as a verb meaning 'to decrease' or 'to reduce', and also as a noun referring to the amount by which a quantity has been decreased.
Which one should you use?
While 減少 / 减少 focuses on the reduction in quantity or number, 下降 is used when describing a drop in level, value or position, such as temperature or prices. Additionally, 下降 can also mean to descend or to drop. To express decreasing a specific standard, price or level, you may also use 降低.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
jiǎnshǎo
When do people say it?
When discussing population decline, you may use 人口下降.
Did you know?
- The character 降 (jiàng) in 下降 also carries the historical connotation of 'surrender' or 'subjugate', much like the English word 'subdue'.
- To describe lowering a standard or quality, Chinese uses 降低 (jiàngdī), a term that metaphorically treats an abstract level as if it were a physical height to be lowered.
- When a temperature drops, Chinese speakers often use the specific term 降溫 (jiàngwēn), which combines the concept of 'descending' with the specific word for 'temperature'.
Examples in context
- 这个月销售额减少了10%。This month's sales decreased by 10%.
- 我们需要降低开支。We need to decrease our expenses.
- 我们公司的利润降低了。Our company's profits have decreased.
- 过去十年，犯罪率明显减少了。In the past ten years, the crime rate has noticeably decreased.
- 工作压力的增长导致了幸福感的下降。The increase in work pressure led to a decrease in happiness.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decrease” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
