Translation guide
The English phrase 'a little' can express a small amount, a slight degree, or a short time. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 少し (sukoshi), but the best choice depends on whether you are modifying a noun, verb, or adjective, and the level of formality.
To say there is a small quantity of something.
The most common and neutral way to say 'a little'. Can be used with the particle の to modify nouns.
少しの水で十分です。
A little water is enough.
少しのお金を持っています。
I have a little money.
More casual and conversational than 少し. Often used in spoken Japanese. Can also be used with の.
Formal equivalent of 少し. Often used in business or polite settings, especially in set phrases like 少々お待ちください (Please wait a moment).
To say something is a little [adjective] or to do something a little.
Used as an adverb before adjectives or verbs. Very common and neutral.
今日は少し寒いです。
It's a little cold today.
少し待ってください。
Please wait a little.
Casual adverb. Very common in everyday speech. Can also soften requests or statements.
Formal adverb. Used in polite speech or writing.
To refer to a short duration of time.
Literally 'a little interval'. Used to say 'for a little while'.
少しの間、ここにいてください。
Please stay here for a little while.
Casual version of 少しの間.
ちょっとの間、休もう。
Let's rest for a little while.
Means 'for a while' or 'for some time'. Can imply a longer duration than 少し, but often used for 'a little while' in context.
To emphasize a very small amount or degree, often with a nuance of 'just a tiny bit'.
Means 'just a little' or 'a tiny bit'. ほんの adds emphasis to the smallness.
ほんの少しだけください。
Just a little bit, please.
ほんの少しの違いです。
It's just a tiny difference.
Casual way to say 'just a little bit'. だけ means 'only'.
ちょっとだけでいいです。
Just a little bit is fine.
少し is the standard, neutral word for 'a little'. ちょっと is more casual and conversational, often used to soften requests or statements. 少々 is formal and polite, common in customer service or business contexts. For example, 'Please wait a moment' can be 少し待ってください (neutral), ちょっと待って (casual), or 少々お待ちください (formal).
In Japanese, 'a little' is often omitted when the context makes it clear, especially in requests. For example, 'Can you wait a little?' is often just 待ってくれる？ without explicitly saying 'a little'. Overusing 少し or ちょっと can sound unnatural.
日本語を少し話します。
I speak a little Japanese.
ちょっとの間、待ってください。
Please wait for a little while.
少々の塩を加えてください。
Please add a little salt.
ちょっと疲れた。
I'm a little tired.
ちょっと見せて。
Show me a little.
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a little.
しばらくお待ちください。
Please wait a little while.