Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Little" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "little", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
少し
少し (sukoshi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
多少
たしょう (tashō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "little" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 少し and 多少.
In Japanese, 少し (少し (sukoshi)) is typically associated with "a little, a few" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An adverb meaning "a small amount" or "a short time." Often used with quantity or degree..
On the other hand, 多少 (たしょう (tashō)) maps to "a little, a few, somewhat, more or less" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express a small degree or amount; 'somewhat' or 'to some extent'. It implies a slight difference or a minor effect. Can also mean 'more or less' when comparing things.. A literal translation of "little" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "少し"
少しだけ日本語が話せます。
I can speak a little Japanese.
Bilingual Context for "多少"
彼の日本語は、まだ多少間違いがある。
His Japanese still has a few mistakes.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ だけ日本語が話せます。" (Meaning: "I can speak a little Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "少し" fits here because it means "a little, a few" in the context of: "I can speak a little Japanese.". "多少" represents "a little, a few, somewhat, more or less".