Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Not" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "not", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あまり
あまり (amari)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さほど
さほど (sahodo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "not" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あまり and さほど.
In Japanese, あまり (あまり (amari)) is typically associated with "not much, not very (used with negative verb)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Adverb. Always used with a negative form of a verb or adjective.
On the other hand, さほど (さほど (sahodo)) maps to "not particularly, not so much (used with a negative verb)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Always used with a negative expression to indicate that something is not to that extent or degree. Often implies 'not as much as one might expect.'. A literal translation of "not" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あまり"
私はあまりテレビを見ません。
I don't watch TV much.
Bilingual Context for "さほど"
その映画は前評判ほどさほど面白くなかった。
That movie wasn't as interesting as its initial reputation suggested.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ テレビを見ません。" (Meaning: "I don't watch TV much.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あまり" fits here because it means "not much, not very (used with negative verb)" in the context of: "I don't watch TV much.". "さほど" represents "not particularly, not so much (used with a negative verb)".