やや

• Reading: やや
• Romaji: yaya
• Pronunciation: /ja.ja/

Meaning

Slightly; somewhat; a little. Indicates a small degree or marginal amount.

An adverb used to soften or moderate a description. More formal and measured than ちょっと or 少し. Commonly appears in news, reports, and written Japanese: やや高い (slightly expensive), やや遅れる (somewhat delayed). Often used when being precise about small differences or changes.

Examples

1. 今日の気温は昨日よりやや高い。 Today's temperature is slightly higher than yesterday's.
2. 彼の態度はやや冷たく感じた。 His attitude felt somewhat cold.
3. 売り上げはやや減少傾向にある。 Sales are showing a slight downward trend.

Usage Guide

Context: news, reports, analysis

Tone: measured

Origin & History

From the classical Japanese adverb やや, an ancient native word with no kanji origin. The kanji 稍 is rarely used in modern writing. The word has maintained its meaning of 'slightly' for over a thousand years.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal