Translation guide
How to express 'a little more' in Japanese, covering quantity, degree, time, and polite requests.
Expressing 'a little more' of something (quantity, degree, effort, etc.)
The most common and versatile way to say 'a little more'. Can be used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
もう少し水をください。
Please give me a little more water.
もう少し静かにしてください。
Please be a little quieter.
A more casual, colloquial version of もう少し. Common in everyday speech.
もうちょっと待って。
Wait a little more.
もうちょっと安いのはありますか？
Do you have something a little cheaper?
Literally 'a little more remaining'. Used when talking about remaining quantity, time, or distance until completion.
あと少しで終わります。
It will be finished in a little more (time).
あと少しだけください。
Just a little more, please.
Indicating that something will happen after a short additional time
Means 'soon' or 'in a little while'. Not literally 'a little more', but used when an event is imminent.
Used before a verb to mean 'in a little more (time), something will happen'.
あと少しでバスが来ます。
The bus will come in a little more (time).
Asking for a small additional amount in a polite way
Polite way to offer or ask if someone wants a little more of something.
コーヒー、もう少しいかがですか？
Would you like a little more coffee?
Emphasizes 'just a little more'. Often used when asking for a very small additional amount.
もう少しだけ時間をください。
Please give me just a little more time.
もう少し is standard and can be used in any situation. もうちょっと is a casual contraction, suitable for friends and informal settings. Avoid もうちょっと in formal business contexts.
もう少しご説明いただけますか？ (formal)
Could you explain a little more?
もうちょっと教えてよ。 (casual)
Tell me a little more.
The adjective 少ない (すくない) means 'few/little' and is not used to mean 'a little more'. Use もう少し or similar phrases instead.
✕ 少ないください
(incorrect)
◯ もう少しください
Please give me a little more.