少々

• Reading: しょうしょう
• Romaji: shoushou
• Kanji breakdown: 少 (shou) — few, little (repeated for emphasis)
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.ɕoː/

Meaning

A little; a small amount; a moment. The formal equivalent of 少し.

An adverb formed by repeating the kanji 少 for emphasis. More polite and restrained than 少し (sukoshi) or ちょっと (chotto). Extremely common in customer service and business Japanese, especially in the phrase 少々お待ちください (please wait a moment).

Examples

1. 少々お待ちください。 Please wait just a moment.
2. 少々お時間をいただけますか。 Could I have a moment of your time?
3. 少々味が薄いので、塩を足してください。 The flavor is a little mild, so please add some salt.

Usage Guide

Context: customer service, business, polite requests

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Formed by reduplication of 少 (shou, few/little), a common Chinese-origin pattern where repeating a character softens or slightly intensifies the meaning. The kanji 少 depicts a small amount being divided.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal