Translation guide
Expresses a very small degree or amount, often used to soften statements or describe subtle changes.
The learner wants to say that something happens or is true only to a very small extent, often modifying verbs or adjectives.
A common, natural phrase meaning 'just a little bit' or 'very slightly'. It emphasizes the smallness of the amount or degree.
ほんの少しだけ塩を入れてください。
Please add just a very small amount of salt.
I'm just a little tired.
An adverb meaning 'slightly' or 'a little'. Often used in more formal or written contexts, but also common in speech.
温度がわずかに上昇した。
The temperature rose very slightly.
わずかに遅れた。
I was slightly late.
A very common casual adverb meaning 'a little' or 'slightly'. It can also be used as a softener in requests or refusals.
Means 'faintly' or 'slightly', often used for sensory perceptions like sound, smell, or light. More literary or descriptive.
かすかに音が聞こえた。
I heard a faint sound.
The learner wants to describe a very small quantity of something, often used with nouns.
Used before a noun to mean 'a very small amount of N'. The particle の connects the phrase to the noun.
ほんの少しの砂糖で十分です。
A very small amount of sugar is enough.
ほんの少しの違いだ。
It's a very slight difference.
The prenominal form of わずか, meaning 'a slight' or 'a small amount of'. Used before nouns.
わずかな可能性もない。
There's not even a slight possibility.
ほんの少し is more colloquial and emphasizes the smallness subjectively. わずかに is slightly more formal and often used with measurable changes or in written language.
ほんの少しだけ味見した。
I just tasted a tiny bit.
株価がわずかに変動した。
The stock price fluctuated slightly.
Do not directly translate 'very slightly' as とてもわずかに or 非常に少し. These sound unnatural. Use the set phrases provided.