少(すく)なめ

すくなめ
na-adjective, noun
on the small side; somewhat less; light (portion)
quantitydescriptive
1. on the small side; somewhat less; a smaller amount
Indicates a quantity that is slightly less than normal or standard. Often used when requesting or describing portions of food, drink, or other quantities.
ごはんは少(すく)なめでお願(ねが)いします。
A smaller portion of rice, please.
塩(しお)は少(すく)なめにしたほうがいい。
You should use less salt.
今月(こんげつ)は出費(しゅっぴ)を少(すく)なめに抑(おさ)えたい。
I want to keep expenses on the lower side this month.

Formed from 少(すく)ない + the suffix め (tending toward, slightly). Indicates a quantity slightly less than normal.

Forms

少(すく)ない (few, little) + め (suffix: -ish, somewhat). This pattern is productive:

Common collocations

  • ごはん少(すく)なめ: less rice (when ordering)
  • 油(あぶら)少(すく)なめ: less oil
  • 塩(しお)少(すく)なめ: less salt

Usage

Very common when ordering food at restaurants. Often seen on ramen shop order forms. Can also describe quantities in general: 出費(しゅっぴ)を少(すく)なめに抑(おさ)える (keep expenses on the low side).

Related Words

Compare: 早(はや)め (a bit early, on the early side)
Antonym: 多(おお)め (a bit more)
Related: 低(ひく)め (somewhat low)
general
Added 2026.3.24 19:00 · Revised 2026.10.7 15:55
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