あまり
amari
The Japanese adverb あまり (amari) means "not very" or "not much" when used in a negative context.
あまり is used to indicate that something is not very common or frequent.
Which one should you use?
The meaning of あまり changes based on the verb it accompanies. When used with a negative verb, it means "not very." However, if used with an affirmative verb, the meaning shifts to express that something is "too much" or "excessively."
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is "not very" or "not much," the adverb あまり is typically paired with a negative verb or adjective, following the pattern あまり … ない.
How do you pronounce it?
amari
Did you know?
- In mathematical contexts, あまり is the standard term used for the 'remainder' in a division problem.
- While あまり (amari) means 'not very' in negative sentences, the same word as a noun refers to a 'remainder' or 'leftovers', such as the remaining pieces of a project or food.
- The phrase あまりに (amari ni) is used to describe a situation so extreme that it leads to an unexpected result, like being 'so' tired that one forgets their own name.
Examples in context
- 彼女はあまり熱心ではない。She is not very enthusiastic.
- あまりわかりません。I don't understand it very well.
- あんまり朝食を食べません。I don't eat breakfast very much.
- あんま知らない。I don't know much.
- 彼はあんま良くない。He is not very good.
- あまり食べません。amari tabemasen.I do not eat much.
- 最近、あまりテレビを見ません。saikin, amari terebi o mimasen.I don't watch much TV lately.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are talking about their hobbies.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵さんは、料理をしますか？Himari-san wa, ryouri o shimasu ka?Himari, do you cook?
- 陽葵 Himariあまりしません。簡単なお弁当だけです。amari shimasen. kantan na obentou dake desu.I don't do it very often. Only simple lunch boxes.
- 陽太 Yotaそうですか。僕は毎日作りますよ。sou desu ka. boku wa mainichi tsukurimasu yo.I see. I make it every day.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さんはすごいですね。Yota-san wa sugoi desu ne.Yota, you are amazing.
