little, small
小 centers on the idea of smallness or being little in size, amount, or degree.
smallness; small item
small; little; slight
small; little; tiny
novel; story; (work of) fiction
small; little; tiny
primary school; elementary school; grade school
elementary school student; primary school student; grade school student
small-sized; small-scale; miniature
hut; cabin; shed; (animal) pen
small and medium
reduction; curtailment; cut; cutback; scaling down; contraction; shrinkage
hill; knoll
stream; brook; creek
elementary school; primary school; grade school
pocket money; spending money; pin money; allowance
small island; islet
small scale
retail
young child; infant
accessories; small articles
small change; pocket change; coins
smallest (in size, degree, etc.); least; minimum; minimal
small bird; little bird
youngster; boy; kid; brat; lad
小 is a pictograph of three small dots or strokes representing something tiny or insignificant. The modern form retains this simple, small shape.
The three small strokes look like tiny grains or specks, emphasizing the idea of something little.
For ショウ, imagine a small show where everything is miniature: show -> ショウ, and the tiny stage fits the meaning of small.