Translation guide
Expresses that an amount is very small, often disappointingly or contemptibly so. Japanese uses various words and phrases depending on whether you emphasize insignificance, meagerness, or triviality.
To describe an amount of money, quantity, or degree that is so small it is almost worthless or insulting.
A common word meaning 'only', 'mere', or 'a paltry'. Often used with numbers to emphasize how small the amount is.
His salary is a paltry 200,000 yen a month.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'only' or 'just', often with a nuance of disappointment. Placed before a number or amount.
I only have a paltry 100 yen.
Literary or formal adjective meaning 'trifling', 'insignificant', or 'paltry'. Often used with nouns like 金額 (amount of money) or 差 (difference).
It's ridiculous to argue over such a paltry sum of money.
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'sparrow's tears', used to describe a very small amount, especially of money. Somewhat poetic.
The bonus was a paltry amount (literally: like a sparrow's tears).
To dismiss an amount as negligible or trivial, often in a comparative context.
Phrase meaning 'insignificant', 'trivial', or 'not worth mentioning'. Used for amounts, differences, or matters.
The difference is a paltry amount, not worth considering.
Na-adjective meaning 'trivial', 'minor', or 'insignificant'. Often used in 些細なこと (a trivial matter) or 些細な金額 (a trifling sum).
Very casual, somewhat vulgar idiom meaning 'a piece of cake' or 'nothing to worry about'. Can be used to dismiss a small amount as trivial.
To describe an insufficient or barely adequate quantity, especially of food, money, or supplies.
I-adjective meaning 'meager', 'scanty', or 'poor'. Often used for resources like income, knowledge, or supplies.
He supports his family on a paltry income.
Na-adjective meaning 'poor', 'meager', or 'scanty'. Can describe physical build, content, or amount.
僅か (wazuka) is more neutral and can be used in formal contexts. たったの (tatta no) is colloquial and often carries a stronger sense of disappointment or complaint. In casual speech, たった is often used without の before a counter (e.g., たった一人).
English 'paltry' often carries a judgmental tone. In Japanese, directly translating this tone can sound overly harsh. It's usually safer to use words like 僅か or たったの unless the context clearly calls for strong contempt.
It's a paltry amount, so don't worry about it.
そんなの屁の河童だよ。
That's a paltry amount, no big deal.
貧弱な食事しか出なかった。
They served only a paltry meal.