'少数' (shǎoshù) literally combines '少' (shǎo), meaning 'few' or 'little', and '数' (shù), meaning 'number' or 'count'. Together, it functions as a noun meaning 'a minority' or 'a small number' — referring to a relatively small portion within a larger group. It is neutral in register and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially when contrasting with '多数' (the majority).

The term often appears in discussions about demographics, ecology, social groups, or statistics — for example, describing endangered animal species that make up only a small proportion of their ecosystem. Unlike English 'minority', which can carry strong sociopolitical connotations, '少数' is more quantitative and context-dependent; it doesn’t inherently imply marginalization unless the surrounding context suggests it.