1.
not at all, not a bit, not in the least (with negative)
Used with negative predicates to emphasize complete absence or negation. Expresses stronger negation than あまり.
ちっとも is an emphatic negative adverb meaning "not at all" or "not one bit." It must always be paired with a negative predicate.
Common patterns
- Pattern: ちっとも + negative verb/adjective
- Cannot be used with positive statements
- Example: ちっとも分からない (I don't understand at all)
Usage
Expresses the speaker's frustration, surprise, or emphasis about the complete absence of something. Slightly more emotional than 全然.
Similar words
- 全然〜ない: not at all (most common, neutral)
- ちっとも〜ない: not at all (emphatic, slightly emotional)
- 少しも〜ない: not even a little (emphatic)
- 全く〜ない: not at all (formal/literary)
Register
Casual to neutral. More common in spoken language than formal writing. Often used when the speaker is frustrated or disappointed — e.g., ちっとも上達しない (I'm not improving at all).