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.
水の量を調節してください。
Please adjust the amount of water.
仕事の量が多すぎる。
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.
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.
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.
多くの人
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?
The standard word for 'amount of money'. Used in all contexts.
必要な金額を教えてください。
Please tell me the amount of money needed.
この金額は間違っています。
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).
寄付の額は任意です。
The donation amount is voluntary.
どのくらいの時間がかかりますか？
How much time will it take?
勉強に多くの時間を使う。
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.
時間の量を正確に測る。
Measure the amount of time accurately.
Check the number of participants.
誤りの数が多い。
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.
発注数量を入力してください。
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.
たくさんの水が必要だ。
A large amount of water is needed.
お金をたくさん持っている。
He has a large amount of money.
A formal word meaning 'large amount'. Often used in written or technical contexts.
多量のデータを処理する。
Process a large amount of data.
少しの塩を加える。
Add a small amount of salt.
少しだけ時間をください。
Please give me a small amount of time.
A formal word for 'small amount', often used in instructions, recipes, or technical writing.
少量のサンプルで十分です。
A small amount of sample is sufficient.
Means 'total' or 'sum'. Used for the total amount of money, points, etc.
合計金額はいくらですか？
What is the total amount?
ポイントの合計を計算する。
Calculate the total amount of points.
A technical term for 'total amount' or 'gross amount', used in scientific or economic contexts.
総量規制が導入された。
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.
いくらでも食べていいよ。
You can eat any amount.
お金はいくらでも出す。
I'll pay any amount of money.