Have you ever been confused by the words 少し(sukoshi)andあまり(amari)? Both describe a small amount, yet their usage is very different. Understanding this distinction is an important step toward speaking naturally.
The Basic Rule: Positive vs. Negative
The first point is simple.
・Use "sukoshi" in affirmative sentences.
・Use "amari" in negative sentences.
This is similar to how English distinguishes between “a little” (some exists) and “little” (almost none). The presence of “a” adds a positive nuance, just as sukoshi suggests something does exist.
Sukoshi: Hope and Possibility
Sukoshi emphasizes that something is present, even in a small amount. It carries a positive or encouraging tone.
Example:
お金が少しあるから、ランチに行こう。
Okane ga sukoshi aru kara, ranchi ni ikō.
(I have a little money, so let's go for lunch.)
彼は少し日本語が話せる。
Kare wa sukoshi Nihongo ga hanaseru.
(He can speak a little Japanese.)
この料理は少し味が薄い。
Kono ryōri wa sukoshi aji ga usui.
(This dish is a little bland.)
Using sukoshi highlights that something is available or possible, no matter how small.
Amari: A Shadow of Disappointment
Amari always appears with the negative form ~ない. The expression amari~nai means “not much” or “hardly any,” often carrying a sense of insufficiency or disappointment.
Example:
お金があまりないから、ランチはやめておこう。
Okane ga amari nai kara, ranchi wa yamete okō.
(I don't have much money, so let's not go for lunch.)
彼はあまり日本語が話せない。
Kare wa amari Nihongo ga hanasenai.
(He doesn't speak much Japanese.)
この映画はあまり面白くなかった。
Kono eiga wa amari omoshirokunakatta.
(This movie was not very interesting.)
Amari is useful when expressing that something falls short of expectations.
The Hidden Nuances of Japanese Culture
The choice between sukoshi and amari reflects cultural values of politeness and consideration for others.
1.Sukoshi: Humility and Politeness
Japanese speakers often use sukoshi to soften statements or downplay their own abilities.
Example:
少し日本語ができます。
Sukoshi Nihongo ga dekimasu.
(I can speak a little Japanese.)
この問題は少し難しいですね。
Kono mondai wa sukoshi muzukashii desu ne.
(This problem is a little difficult, isn't it?)
By using sukoshi, you avoid sounding too direct and help maintain harmony.
2. Amari: An Indirect Way of Saying No
Amari allows you to express a negative view in a softened, indirect way.
Example:
あの人の話はあまり面白くなかった。
Ano hito no hanashi wa amari omoshirokunakatta.
(That person's story wasn't very interesting.)
そのやり方はあまり良くないと思います。
Sono yarikata wa amari yoku nai to omoimasu.
(I don't think that method is very good.)
This indirect style is a key part of polite Japanese communication.
A Look at Chotto: The All-Purpose Word
While chotto can mean “a little,” it is more casual and flexible than sukoshi. It is essential in everyday conversation.
Example:
少しお待ちいただけますか。
Sukoshi omachi itadakemasu ka.
(Could you please wait for a moment?)
ちょっと待って。
Chotto matte.
(Wait a moment.)
Most importantly, chotto is widely used to politely decline without stating the reason.
Example:
今日はちょっと行けないんだ。
Kyō wa chotto ikenai n da.
(I can't go today.)
すみません、今日はちょっと…。
Sumimasen, kyō wa chotto…
(I'm sorry, but today is a bit difficult for me.)
Even alone, chotto can signal refusal or hesitation in a soft way.
Final Thoughts
Sukoshi, amari, and chotto are more than words about quantity. They reveal emotion, context, and consideration for others.
・Grammar: Use sukoshi in affirmative sentences, amari in negative ones.
・Nuance: Sukoshi conveys positivity, amari suggests disappointment or lack.
・Cultural Aspect: They reflect humility and indirectness in Japanese culture.
・Chotto: A versatile, casual expression especially useful for soft refusals.
By mastering these, you will move closer to speaking with the natural rhythm and subtlety of native Japanese.