ちょっと

ちょっと
adverb
a little, just a moment
informaldescriptive
1. a little
A small amount or degree.
ちょっと高(たか)い。
It's a bit expensive.
ちょっと難(むずか)しいです。
It's a bit difficult.
ちょっと疲(つか)れました。
I'm a little tired.
ちょっと寒(さむ)くない？
Isn't it a little cold?
味(あじ)がちょっと薄(うす)い。
The taste is a little bland.
2. just a moment
A brief period of time.
ちょっと待(ま)ってください。
Please wait a moment.
ちょっと話(はなし)があるんですが。
There's something I'd like to talk to you about.
ちょっと来(き)てください。
Please come here for a moment.
ちょっと出(で)かけてきます。
I'll go out for a moment.
ちょっと見(み)せてもらえますか。
Can I see it for a moment?
3. excuse me (softener)
Used to soften requests or refusals.
ちょっといいですか。
Do you have a moment?
Common way to get someone's attention
ちょっと...すみません。
Um... sorry (I can't).
Polite refusal
ちょっとお願(ねが)いがあるんですが。
I have a small favor to ask...
Softening a request
ちょっとそれはできないかな。
Hmm, I don't think I can do that...
ちょっと、聞(き)いてください。
Excuse me, please listen.

ちょっと is a versatile word used to soften statements, express small amounts, or get attention.

Functions

1. A little/slightly: ちょっと高(たか)い (a bit expensive)
2. Brief time: ちょっと待(ま)って (wait a moment)
3. Softener: ちょっといいですか (excuse me, do you have a moment?)
4. Polite refusal: ちょっと... (implies "that's difficult")

Common expressions

Similar words

少(すこ)し: a little (slightly more formal, precise)

Related Words

Synonym: 少(すこ)し (slightly more formal)
Compare: たくさん (a lot, many)
Compare: しばらく (for a while)
Compare: 多少(たしょう) (a little, somewhat)
Related: あのー (um, excuse me, well)
Compare: いくらか (somewhat)
Compare: ほんの (just)
Compare: 一寸(いっすん) (one sun (approx. 3.03 cm))
Compare: おい (hey)
Compare: あのね (you know)
basic
Added 2026.1.8 0:50 · Revised 2026.10.14 9:24
00500/00595_chotto