少し

• Reading: すこし
• Romaji: sukoshi
• Kanji breakdown: 少 (shō/suko) — few, little
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.ko.ɕi/

Meaning

A little; a bit; a small amount; slightly; somewhat.

Used to express a small quantity or degree. Can modify verbs, adjectives, and nouns. More formal than ちょっと but less formal than 若干 (jakkan). Often used in polite requests to soften the tone.

Examples

1. 少し休みましょう。 Let's take a short break.
2. このスープは少し辛いです。 This soup is a little spicy.
3. 日本語が少しわかります。 I understand a little Japanese.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, requests, descriptions

Tone: polite

Origin & History

The kanji 少 means 'few' or 'little,' composed of a small number of strokes to visually represent the concept of smallness.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal