Translation guide
The English word 'amount' refers to a quantity or total of something. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 量 (ryō), but the best choice depends on what is being counted: money, time, volume, number of items, etc. This guide organizes the main uses of 'amount' and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Referring to an amount of something uncountable, such as water, food, work, or information.
The most direct translation for 'amount' when talking about a measurable quantity of something uncountable. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Please adjust the amount of water.
The amount of work is too much.
Often used for measured amounts in recipes, dosages, or specific portions. Slightly more formal than 量.
Referring to a sum of money.
The standard word for 'amount of money'. Used in all contexts.
Referring to a duration or length of time.
Literally 'time', but used to mean 'amount of time' in phrases like 時間の長さ (length of time) or 多くの時間 (a lot of time).
When 'amount' is used for countable things in English, Japanese often uses 'number' instead.
Means 'number' and is used for countable items. In English, we might say 'amount of people' (informal), but Japanese strictly uses 数 for countable things.
Expressing that there is a large amount of something.
Expressing that there is a small amount of something.
The most common way to say 'a little' or 'a small amount'. Used in everyday conversation.
Referring to the final total of something, like a bill or aggregate quantity.
Means 'total' or 'sum'. Used for the total amount of money, points, etc.
Expressing that any amount is acceptable or that something can be done regardless of quantity.
In English, 'amount' is sometimes used informally for countable nouns (e.g., 'a large amount of people'), but in Japanese, you must distinguish between 量 (uncountable) and 数 (countable). Using 量 for people would sound unnatural.
a large number of people (not 多量の人)
量 (ryō) is for uncountable things like water, time, or effort. 数 (kazu) is for countable items like apples, people, or mistakes. When in doubt, check if you can count the item individually.
砂糖の分量はこのくらいですか？
Is this the right amount of sugar?
Please tell me the amount of money needed.
This amount is incorrect.
A shorter, slightly more formal version of 金額. Often used in compounds like 高額 (large amount) or 少額 (small amount).
The donation amount is voluntary.
How much time will it take?
I spend a large amount of time studying.
A direct translation of 'amount of time', but less natural than simply using 時間. Used in technical or explanatory contexts.
Measure the amount of time accurately.
参加者の数を確認する。
Check the number of participants.
There is a large number of errors.
A more formal term for 'quantity' or 'amount', often used in business or technical contexts for both countable and uncountable items.
Please enter the order quantity.
The most common way to say 'a lot' or 'a large amount'. Can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
A large amount of water is needed.
He has a large amount of money.
A formal word meaning 'large amount'. Often used in written or technical contexts.
Process a large amount of data.
Add a small amount of salt.
Please give me a small amount of time.
A formal word for 'small amount', often used in instructions, recipes, or technical writing.
A small amount of sample is sufficient.
What is the total amount?
Calculate the total amount of points.
A technical term for 'total amount' or 'gross amount', used in scientific or economic contexts.
A total amount regulation was introduced.
Means 'any amount' or 'as much as you want'. Used with verbs like 食べる (eat), 使う (use), etc.
You can eat any amount.
I'll pay any amount of money.
水の量
amount of water
number of apples