小

• Reading: しょう
• Romaji: shou
• Kanji breakdown: 小 (shou/ko/o) — small, little
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː/

Meaning

Small; little; minor. A prefix or standalone word indicating small size or scale.

A noun and common prefix meaning small. As a prefix (しょう), it attaches to many words: 小学校 (elementary school), 小説 (novel, literally 'small narrative'), 小数 (decimal). As a standalone noun, it refers to something small or the smaller of two options. Contrasts with 大 (large) and 中 (medium).

Examples

1. サイズは大、中、小の三つがある。 There are three sizes: large, medium, and small.
2. 小のほうをください。 I'll take the small one, please.
3. 小から大まで、いろいろな種類がそろっている。 There's a wide variety, from small to large.

Usage Guide

Context: sizing, classification, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

One of the most fundamental kanji, 小 depicts three small strokes representing something being divided into tiny parts. It has been used since the earliest Chinese writing systems.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal