Translation guide
A small, scattered amount or superficial knowledge of something.
Describing a few things or people spread thinly over an area.
An adverb meaning 'here and there', 'sparsely', or 'a smattering'. Used for things like people, flowers, or lights appearing in small numbers.
There is a smattering of people in the park.
An adverb meaning 'in small numbers', 'sporadically'. Often used for things appearing gradually or in scattered instances.
A smattering of rain began to fall.
A na-adjective meaning 'sparse', 'scattered'. Used to describe a thin distribution of objects or people.
There was a smattering of spectators.
Describing knowing only a little about a subject, often just a few words or facts.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'know just a little'. Natural and neutral.
He has a smattering of French.
Literally 'at the level of having nibbled'. Implies superficial, dabbling knowledge. Slightly casual.
Means 'superficial', 'surface-level'. Emphasizes lack of depth. Can sound negative.
His knowledge is just a smattering.
Referring to a small quantity of something like language, information, or abstract things.
I only have a smattering of knowledge.
ちょっとしたフランス語ならわかる。
I understand a smattering of French.