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Expressing "do less of" with 少 (shǎo) as an adjective
HSK 3Frequency & Habit
Suggestion & Advice
Structure
少 + Verb + Object
Explanation
少 placed before a verb means "do less of" or "do something less often," functioning as a mild command or suggestion. It is frequently used in advice or warnings, such as 少吃甜食 meaning "eat fewer sweets." This usage carries a tone of friendly concern or admonishment.
Examples
医生让他少抽烟，多运动。
Yīshēng ràng tā shǎo chōuyān, duō yùndòng.
The doctor told him to smoke less and exercise more.
少吃零食，对身体好。
Shǎo chī língshí, duì shēntǐ hǎo.
Eat fewer snacks; it's better for your health.
天这么晚了，少玩会儿手机早点睡吧。
Tiān zhème wǎn le, shǎo wán huìr shǒujī zǎodiǎn shuì ba.
It's so late; spend less time on your phone and go to bed early.