少数

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 少数 is read as しょうすう and is a noun for a small number or the smaller part of a whole.
• Basic usage: An opinion held by the smaller group appears in 少数の意見, while saying that owners are few appears in 持っている人は少数だ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The smaller part of a whole
  • 少数 can mean not only a low number but also the smaller group when compared with the whole.
• Difference from 少ない
  • 少ない is an adjective describing a low quantity, while 少数 is a noun for a small number or minority group.