少なめ
Meanings
1
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
somewhat less; slightly below; on the low side
Used to describe a quantity, amount, or degree that is a little less than a standard or expected level. Often used with nouns like 量, 人数, 塩分, etc.
There are somewhat fewer customers than usual today.
Please go easy on the salt for your health.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を少なめにするto make/keep something a bit less than usual
I made the dish with a bit less salt than usual.
- 〈物〉は少なめでお願いしますplease make the amount a little less (when ordering)
Could I have a smaller portion of rice, please?
- 少なめの〈物〉a slightly smaller amount of something
Cooking with a little less oil makes it healthier.