少(すこ)し

すこし
adverb
a little, a few
1. a little
A small amount or degree.
日本語(にほんご)が少(すこ)しわかります。
I understand a little Japanese.
少(すこ)し休(やす)みましょう。
Let's rest a little.
お酒(さけ)を少(すこ)しください。
A little sake, please.
少(すこ)し寒(さむ)いので、窓(まど)を閉(し)めてください。
It's a little cold, so please close the window.
少(すこ)し時間(じかん)がかかりますが、よろしいですか。お待(ま)ちいただけますか。
It will take a little time - is that okay? Can you wait?

少(すこ)し means "a little" or "a small amount," usable as both adverb and noun.

GRAMMAR:

  • Adverb: 少(すこ)し待(ま)ってください (please wait a little)
  • With の: 少(すこ)しの時間(じかん) (a little time)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 少(すこ)しずつ: little by little, gradually
  • 少(すこ)しも〜ない: not at all, not in the least
  • もう少(すこ)し: a little more

FORMALITY:
More formal/polite than ちょっと. Use 少(すこ)し in formal writing and polite speech.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ちょっと: a little (casual, also used as "excuse me")
  • 少々(しょうしょう): a little (very formal, often service industry)
  • 多少(たしょう): somewhat, more or less

ANTONYM:

  • たくさん: a lot, many

Related Words

See also: ちょっと
See also: たくさん
basic
Added 2026.1.8 0:50 · Revised 2026.2.11 20:05
00500/00596_sukoshi