Translation guide
Describes something extremely small in size, amount, or degree. Japanese uses various adjectives and adverbs depending on what is being described and the nuance.
To describe an object, creature, or space that is tiny or minute.
The most straightforward and common way to say 'very small'. 'とても' means 'very' and '小さい' means 'small'. Suitable for most contexts.
This room is very small.
More formal and emphatic than 'とても小さい'. '非常に' means 'extremely'. Used in writing or formal speech.
The difference is extremely small.
Casual, colloquial version of '小さい'. Often used in everyday conversation, especially by younger people or when speaking affectionately.
Technical term meaning 'minute' or 'microscopic'. Used in scientific or formal contexts.
Observe minute particles.
To describe a quantity, probability, or degree that is minimal.
Means 'very slight' or 'minimal'. Often used with nouns like 'amount', 'difference', or 'chance'. 'ごく' intensifies 'わずか' (a little).
The chance of success is very small.
Literally 'just a little', used to emphasize a very small amount. 'ほんの' adds a nuance of 'mere' or 'only'.
Please add just a very small amount of sugar.
Formal/literary expression meaning 'trifling' or 'insignificant'. Often used with nouns like 'amount' or 'sum'.
It's a very small sum of money.
To describe something small in an endearing or affectionate way.
Attributive form of '小さい', used before nouns. Often carries a slightly more poetic or affectionate tone than '小さい'.
A very small flower is blooming.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'like a bean', used to describe something very small, often in a cute or vivid way.
A button as small as a bean.
Both mean 'small', but 小さい can be used predicatively (e.g., この部屋は小さい) and attributively (小さい部屋). 小さな is only attributive and often sounds more subjective or literary. For 'very small', とても小さい is more common than とても小さな.
a very small room
a very small room (slightly literary)
In English, 'very small' can be used for abstract concepts like 'a very small chance'. Japanese often uses specific expressions like ごくわずか or ほんの少し rather than とても小さい for amounts or degrees. Using とても小さい for probability may sound unnatural.
The possibility is very small.
The font is very small.
There's a very small chance of rain.
この犬、ちっちゃいね！
This dog is so tiny!