Translation guide
The English phrase 'not a little' is used for emphasis, meaning 'to a considerable degree' or 'very much.' In Japanese, this idea is expressed through adverbs and phrases that intensify adjectives or verbs, rather than a direct translation.
Expressing that something is true to a significant extent, often with a nuance of surprise or emphasis.
A common adverb meaning 'considerably' or 'quite.' It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, and is suitable for most situations.
彼はかなり怒っていた。
He was not a little angry.
この問題はかなり難しい。
This problem is not a little difficult.
A more literary expression meaning 'not a little' or 'considerably.' It is often used in formal or written contexts.
Means 'greatly' or 'very much.' It is often used with verbs like 喜ぶ (to be pleased) or 驚く (to be surprised).
A very common intensifier meaning 'very.' While it can convey the idea of 'not a little' in some contexts, it is more neutral and less emphatic than the English phrase. Use when the emphasis is not as strong.
Do not translate 'not a little' directly as 「少なくない」 or 「少しではない」. These are unnatural in Japanese and do not convey the intended emphasis. Instead, use adverbs like かなり or 少なからず.
その知らせに彼は少なからず驚いた。
He was not a little surprised at the news.
彼はその結果に大いに満足した。
He was not a little satisfied with the result.
He is not a little worried.