Translation guide
Expressing a small amount in Japanese depends on what is being counted (objects, liquid, abstract concepts) and the context. Common options include 少し (sukoshi) for general use, 少量 (shouryou) for formal or written contexts, and specific counters for precise small quantities.
Expressing a small quantity of something in a neutral, everyday context.
The most common and versatile word for 'a little' or 'a small amount'. Can be used with nouns (using の) or as an adverb.
Please add a small amount of sugar.
Casual and conversational, often used in spoken Japanese. Can also soften requests or statements.
Emphasizes a very small, often surprisingly small, amount. Can be used as an adverb or with な/の.
Used in written documents, product labels, or formal speech to indicate a small quantity.
Specifically referring to a small quantity of a liquid.
Common in recipes and formal instructions for adding a small amount of liquid or seasoning.
Referring to a small sum of money.
Standard term for a small amount of money, used in banking or formal contexts.
Using specific counters to express a small number of items or small quantity.
Prefix 数 (すう) means 'a few' or 'several', indicating a small number. Combine with appropriate counter (e.g., 数人, 数枚).
A small number of friends came.
Both mean 'a little', but ちょっと is more casual and often used in spoken Japanese. 少し is neutral and can be used in both speech and writing. ちょっと also functions as an interjection to get attention or soften refusals.
Excuse me (for a moment).
English 'small amount' can often be translated naturally with 少し, but in specific contexts (money, liquid, countable items) using the appropriate term or counter is more natural. Directly translating 'small amount' as 小さい量 is not idiomatic.
I only need a small amount.
I have a little time.
ちょっと待ってください。
Please wait a little.
I want to eat just a small amount.
It's a tiny difference.
Standard formal term for 'small amount', often seen on packaging or in recipes.
Add a small amount of salt.
This product is effective even in small amounts.
Refers to a trace amount or extremely small quantity, often used in scientific or technical contexts.
A trace amount of chemical substance was detected.
Add a small amount of soy sauce.
Literally 'one mouthful', used for a small amount of drink or food taken in one bite/sip.
I drank just a small amount of water.
We ask for a small donation.
Refers to small change or coins, implying a small amount of money.
I only have a small amount of change.
I need a few sheets of paper.
Using 少しの before a noun to mean 'a small amount of' that noun.
You can have fun with a small amount of money.
Add a small amount of salt.