Translation guide
The English phrase 'a little' can express a small amount, a slight degree, or a short time. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 少し (sukoshi), but the best choice depends on whether you are modifying a noun, verb, or adjective, and the level of formality.
To say there is a small quantity of something.
The most common and neutral way to say 'a little'. Can be used with the particle の to modify nouns.
A little water is enough.
More casual and conversational than 少し. Often used in spoken Japanese. Can also be used with の.
Formal equivalent of 少し. Often used in business or polite settings, especially in set phrases like 少々お待ちください (Please wait a moment).
To say something is a little [adjective] or to do something a little.
Used as an adverb before adjectives or verbs. Very common and neutral.
To refer to a short duration of time.
Literally 'a little interval'. Used to say 'for a little while'.
To emphasize a very small amount or degree, often with a nuance of 'just a tiny bit'.
Means 'just a little' or 'a tiny bit'. ほんの adds emphasis to the smallness.
Just a little bit, please.
少し is the standard, neutral word for 'a little'. ちょっと is more casual and conversational, often used to soften requests or statements. 少々 is formal and polite, common in customer service or business contexts. For example, 'Please wait a moment' can be 少し待ってください (neutral), ちょっと待って (casual), or 少々お待ちください (formal).
In Japanese, 'a little' is often omitted when the context makes it clear, especially in requests. For example, 'Can you wait a little?' is often just 待ってくれる？ without explicitly saying 'a little'. Overusing 少し or ちょっと can sound unnatural.
I speak a little Japanese.
I have a little money.
ちょっとの間、待ってください。
Please wait for a little while.
少々の塩を加えてください。
Please add a little salt.
It's a little cold today.
Please wait a little.
Casual adverb. Very common in everyday speech. Can also soften requests or statements.
Formal adverb. Used in polite speech or writing.
Please wait a little.
Please stay here for a little while.
Casual version of 少しの間.
Let's rest for a little while.
Means 'for a while' or 'for some time'. Can imply a longer duration than 少し, but often used for 'a little while' in context.
Please wait a little while.
It's just a tiny difference.
Casual way to say 'just a little bit'. だけ means 'only'.
Just a little bit is fine.
Could you wait a little?
Casual