多少

• 読み: たしょう
• ローマ字: tashou
• 漢字の分解: 多 (ta) — many, much; 少 (shou) — few, little
• 発音: /ta.ɕoː/

意味

A little; somewhat; to some extent. Similar to 少し but slightly more formal.

An adverb meaning 'somewhat' or 'a little,' used to downplay or soften a statement. More formal and written than 少し (sukoshi) or ちょっと (chotto). Can also function as a noun meaning 'quantity' or 'amount': 多少の差 (a slight difference). Often paired with negative or conditional nuances: 多少の困難は覚悟している (I am prepared for some difficulty).

例文

1. 多少の雨なら試合は中止にならない。
2. 値段は多少高いが、品質はとてもいい。
3. 多少の失敗は気にしなくていいですよ。

使い方ガイド

場面: writing, formal conversation, business

トーン: measured

起源と歴史

Compound of 多 (ta, many/much) and 少 (shou, few/little). Together, they paradoxically combine 'much' and 'little' to express an indeterminate small amount.

文化的背景

時代: Classical

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal