ほんの少し
honno sukoshi
The English phrase 'very little' is translated into Japanese as ほんの少し (honno sukoshi).
ほんの少し is used to convey the meaning of 'only a tiny bit' or 'just a little'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of honno, meaning 'only' or 'merely' and sukoshi, meaning 'a little'.
How do you pronounce it?
honno sukoshi
Did you know?
- The word 少し is often replaced by ちょっと in casual speech, but ちょっと can also be used as a polite way to decline an invitation without saying 'no'.
- When someone says they speak ほんの少し of a language, they may actually be fluent but are using the phrase to avoid the pressure of high expectations from the listener.
- In Japanese culture, describing a portion of food as ほんの少し when offering a gift can be a sign of modesty, implying the gift is humble even if it is actually generous.
Examples in context
- 申し訳ありませんが、少ししか日本語を話せません。I'm sorry, but I can only speak very little Japanese.
- 私はほとんど日本料理を食べたことがありません。I have hardly eaten any Japanese food.
- ちょっとしか日本語が話せないけど、頑張ります。I can only speak a little Japanese, but I'll do my best.
- 日本語はほんの少ししか分かりません。I understand only a tiny bit of Japanese.
- ほんの少し、砂糖を入れました。honno sukoshi, satou o iremashita.I added just a very little bit of sugar.
- 残っているのは、ほんの少しです。nokotte iru no wa, honno sukoshi desu.There is only a very little amount left.
- ほんの少し、時間があります。honno sukoshi, jikan ga arimasu.I have a very little bit of time.
Example conversation
A woman is asking a man if there is any juice left in the pitcher.
- 結衣 Yuiジュースはまだ残っていますか？juusu wa mada nokotte imasu ka?Is there any juice left?
- 大翔 Hirotoいや、ほんの少ししかありません。iya, honno sukoshi shika arimasen.No, there is only a very little bit left.
- 結衣 Yui大翔君、足りないですね。Hiroto-kun, tarinai desu ne.Hiroto, it's not enough, is it?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、すぐに買ってきます。hai, sugu ni katte kimasu.Yes, I will go buy some right away.
