Japanese dictionary
How to say "little" in Japanese
少しすこし · sukoshi
"A little" as an amount is 少し (sukoshi) or the casual ちょっと (chotto). "Little" meaning small is 小さい (chiisai).
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Ways to say "little" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 少しすこし · sukoshi | A little (amount). |
| ちょっとちょっと · chotto | A little; a bit (casual). |
| 小さいちいさい · chiisai | Little; small (size). |
How to use it
"I can speak a little Japanese" is 日本語が少し話せます.
ちょっと is also used to soften a refusal: ちょっと難しいです (that's a bit difficult).
Example sentences
- 日本語が少し話せます。Nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu.I can speak a little Japanese.
- ちょっと待ってください。Chotto matte kudasai.Please wait a moment.
- 小さい子どもが二人います。Chiisai kodomo ga futari imasu.I have two little kids.
- もう少しゆっくり話してください。Mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai.Please speak a little more slowly.
- 明日はちょっと難しいです。Ashita wa chotto muzukashii desu.Tomorrow is a bit difficult for me.
- 少しだけお時間をいただけますか。Sukoshi dake o-jikan o itadakemasu ka.Could I have a little of your time?
Kanji in this word
Questions
What is the difference between 少し and ちょっと?
Both mean a little. 少し (sukoshi) is polite and neutral. ちょっと (chotto) is more casual.
What does ちょっと難しいです mean?
It literally means "it's a little difficult," but it is often a polite way to say no.
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