a little

少し、ちょっと

量や程度がわずかであることを表す。

やさしい英語で： By a small amount, or to a small degree.

• I feel a little tired.
• The room has warmed up a little.
• Could you speak a little more slowly?

使い方： a little + adjective/adverb (The soup is a little too hot.); verb + a little (Move a little so I can sit down.)

類義語： slightly, a bit

反対語： a lot

よく使う表現： a little tired, move a little, a little better, a little strange

少しの、少量の

一つ二つと数えない物が、少量あることを表す。

やさしい英語で： Some of something, but only a small amount.

• Add a little salt.
• We have a little time before the train leaves.
• Could you lend me a little money?

使い方： a little + uncountable noun (There is a little milk in the fridge.)

類義語： a bit of, some

反対語： a lot of

よく使う表現： a little water, a little time, a little help

少し、少量

既に話に出た物や、何を指すか分かる物の少量。

やさしい英語で： A small amount of something already mentioned or understood.

• Would you like some juice? Just a little, please.
• There was plenty of rice, but he ate only a little.
• I spent most of my money and saved a little.

使い方： a little of something (She drank a little of the soup.)

類義語： a bit, some

反対語： a lot

よく使う表現： just a little, only a little, save a little