few, little
少 centers on a small amount or number: something is few, little, or scarce. It describes a lack of quantity rather than physical size.
少 is derived from 小 (small) with an additional stroke, likely to emphasize the idea of a small quantity or scarcity. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the relationship to 小 is clear.
少 looks like 小 (small) with one extra stroke, as if a tiny drop has been added to show that there is only a little bit left. Think of a small pile of sand with one grain falling off: few, little.
For ショウ, imagine a show where only a few people attend: the show is small and the audience is little. Show -> ショウ.
a little; a bit; a small amount; a few; some; slightly; somewhat
few; little; small (amount); low; scarce; insufficient; seldom; rare
girl (usu. between 7 and 17); young lady
boy
at least
a little; some; somewhat; slightly; to some degree; to some extent
decrease; reduction; decline
a little; a bit; a small amount; a few; a pinch; some
small number; few; minority
major; lieutenant commander; wing commander
infancy; childhood; tender age
few in number
scarce; rare
small quantity; small amount
young people; youth; the younger generation
second lieutenant; sublieutenant; ensign
youngest
small sum (of money); small amount
major general; rear admiral; air commodore
fewest; least; smallest (number); lowest; minimum
just a little
small; little; few
little by little; bit by bit
(not) at all; (not) a bit; (not) in the least; (not) in the slightest