Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Remainder" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "remainder", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
余り
あまり (amari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
残り
のこり (nokori)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "remainder" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 余り and 残り.
In Japanese, 余り (あまり (amari)) is typically associated with "remainder, surplus, not very (with negative)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents As a noun, it means 'remainder' or 'excess'.
On the other hand, 残り (のこり (nokori)) maps to "remainder, what is left, remaining" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 一部が使用されたり、取られたりした後に残った部分を指します。時間、量、人数など様々なものに使われます。 / Refers to the part that is left after some has been used, taken, or consumed. Can be used for time, quantity, or people.. A literal translation of "remainder" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "余り"
忙しくて、あまりテレビを見ません。
I'm busy, so I don't watch much TV.
Bilingual Context for "残り"
ケーキの残りを冷蔵庫に入れた。
I put the remaining cake in the refrigerator.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "忙しくて、あまりテレビを見ません。" (Meaning: "I'm busy, so I don't watch much TV.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "余り" fits here because it means "remainder, surplus, not very (with negative)" in the context of: "I'm busy, so I don't watch much TV.". "残り" represents "remainder, what is left, remaining".