ちょっと
chotto[t͡ɕo̞t̚to̞]
In Japanese, "little bit" is translated as ちょっと (chotto).
ちょっと is a commonly used informal term to express "little bit" in Japanese conversation. To convey the meaning of "just a little bit" or "only a bit", you can use ちょっとだけ. In contrast, if you want to express the idea of "not even a little bit" or "not at all", you should use the informal term ちっとも.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to use 'little bit' as an adjective to describe a noun (e.g., 'a little problem'), you use the form ちょっとした.
How do you pronounce it?
chotto
Did you know?
- In Japanese conversation, saying ちょっと… and trailing off without finishing your sentence is a common way to politely decline an invitation or say 'no'.
- While ちょっと usually means 'a little bit', if someone says ちょっと！ with a sharp rising intonation, it becomes a command to stop or an exclamation of 'Hey!' to get someone's attention.
- The word ちょっと is actually an intensified version of the older word ちと, where the doubling of the middle consonant adds emphasis to the 'smallness'.
Examples in context
- ちょっと休みましょう。Let's rest a little bit.This sentence shows how to use ちょっと to suggest a short rest.Tatoeba #202792 by small_snow, translation #4073904 by CK
- ちょっと小腹がすいたな。I'm a little bit hungry.This sentence uses ちょっと to express a slight feeling of hunger.Tatoeba #1048268 by bunbuku, translation #1048295 by CK
- 僕はちょっと心配している。I'm a little bit concerned.This sentence uses ちょっと to express being slightly concerned.Tatoeba #7838810 by Ninja, translation #7837605 by CK
- 私は少し日本語を話せます。I can speak a little bit of Japanese.
- 彼はわずかな財産を持っています。He has a small fortune.
- 今日はちょっとだけ疲れています。I'm feeling a little bit tired today.
- ちょっと待ってください。Please wait a moment.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、お腹空いてる？Himari, onaka suite iru?Himari, are you hungry?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ちょっとだけ空いてる。Un, chotto dake suite iru.Yeah, I'm a little bit hungry.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、軽く何か食べようか。Jaa, karuku nanika tabeyou ka.Well, shall we eat something light?
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね、そうしよう。Sou da ne, sou shiyou.Good idea, let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ちょっと, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ちょっと, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
