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.
Please give me a little more water.
Please be a little quieter.
A more casual, colloquial version of もう少し. Common in everyday speech.
Literally 'a little more remaining'. Used when talking about remaining quantity, time, or distance until completion.
It will be finished in a little more (time).
Indicating that something will happen after a short additional 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.
Would you like a little more coffee?
Emphasizes 'just a little more'. Often used when asking for a very small additional amount.
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.
Could you explain a little more?
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.
(incorrect)
もうちょっと待って。
Wait a little more.
Do you have something a little cheaper?
あと少しだけください。
Just a little more, please.
Please give me a little more.