少(すこ)しでも

すこしでも
adverb
even a little; as much as possible
quantity
1. even a little; even slightly
Emphasizes that even a small amount or degree is significant. Often used in conditional or hypothetical contexts.
少(すこ)しでも気(き)になったら聞(き)いてね。
If you're even a little curious, just ask.
少(すこ)しでも異変(いへん)を感(かん)じたら、すぐに病院(びょういん)に行(い)ってください。
If you feel even the slightest abnormality, please go to the hospital immediately.
少(すこ)しでも遅(おく)れたら間(ま)に合(あ)わない。
If we're even a little late, we won't make it in time.
2. as much as possible; to whatever extent one can
Expresses the desire to maximize something, even if only by a small amount. Common with verbs of effort or improvement.
少(すこ)しでも安(やす)く買(か)いたい。
I want to buy it as cheaply as possible.
少(すこ)しでも役(やく)に立(た)てれば嬉(うれ)しいです。
I'd be happy if I could be of even a little help.
少(すこ)しでも早(はや)く届(とど)くように、速達(そくたつ)で送(おく)った。
I sent it by express mail so it would arrive as quickly as possible.

A very common adverbial phrase combining 少(すこ)し (a little) + でも (even). The でも particle adds emphasis, turning 'a little' into 'even a little.' Sense 1 is used in conditional contexts ('if even a little...'), while sense 2 expresses a desire to maximize something ('as X as possible').

Usage

Sense 1 typically pairs with conditional forms (〜たら、〜なら、〜ば). Sense 2 appears with desiderative forms (〜たい) or expressions of effort.

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 多少(たしょう)なりとも (to any extent, however slight)
Compare: できるだけ (as much as possible)
Compare: 多少(たしょう)とも (to some extent)
general
Added 2026.3.26 23:31 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
19500/19718_sukoshidemo