Translation guide
Describes something insufficient in amount, size, or coverage. In Japanese, different words are used depending on what is scanty—clothing, information, resources, etc.
To say that something is not enough, lacking in quantity, or meager.
Common word for scarcity of resources, information, or abstract things. Often used in formal or written contexts.
General word for 'few' or 'little'. Can be used for scanty amounts in everyday speech.
証拠が少ない。
The evidence is scanty.
Means 'insufficient' or 'inadequate'. Suitable for formal contexts.
不十分なデータ
scanty data
To describe clothing that covers very little, often in a critical or descriptive way.
Literally 'high degree of exposure'. Common phrase for revealing clothing.
彼女は露出度が高い服を着ていた。
She was wearing scanty clothing.
Means 'showing a lot of skin'. More direct and slightly less formal.
その水着は肌の露出が多い。
That swimsuit is scanty.
Literally 'fabric is little'. Used to describe minimal clothing in terms of material.
布地が少ないドレス
a scanty dress
To describe thin hair, sparse plants, or anything that is not dense.
The English word 'scanty' covers several distinct concepts. Do not use a single Japanese word for all cases. Choose based on context: 乏しい for resources, 露出度が高い for clothing, 薄い for hair.