low birth rate; few children per family
Refers to a demographic trend of having fewer children. Often used in discussions of societal aging and population decline. Compare with 少子化 (declining birth rate).
See also: 少子化
The population is aging and the birth rate is declining.
Rare standalone use; more commonly encountered in compound words like 末っ子 or 末子. When used alone, it may be ambiguous without context.
He is the youngest of three siblings.
少子対策として、育児支援が拡充された。
Childcare support was expanded as a measure against the low birth rate.
declining birth rate; decrease in the number of children; sub-replacement fertility
declining birth rate and aging population
Compound of 少 (few) and 子 (child). The reading is on'yomi, suggesting a Sino-Japanese origin.