очень мало
ochen' malo
The English phrase "very little" is translated into Russian as очень мало (ochen' malo).
очень мало is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something.
Which one should you use?
While очень мало describes a small amount, it is distinct from немного (a little), which often carries a more positive or neutral connotation of 'a small amount' rather than 'hardly any'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase очень мало functions as an adverbial phrase to modify verbs or adjectives, indicating a very small degree or amount.
How do you pronounce it?
ochen' malo
Did you know?
- There is a common Russian idiom мало не показалось, which literally translates to 'it didn't seem like little'. It is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone almost faced a disaster or was severely punished.
- The word очень might be linked to the ancient word for 'eye', око. This suggests the phrase 'very little' could historically imply something that is 'visibly' or 'obviously' small.
- While очень мало means 'very little', the word мало can also function as a predicate to mean 'not enough'. If someone says мне мало, they are complaining that they have an insufficient amount rather than just a small one.
Examples in context
- Я очень мало сплю.I sleep very little.This sentence is useful for describing the amount of sleep one gets.Tatoeba #9465655 by marafon, translation #13620256 by frpzzd
- Том ел очень мало.Tom ate very little.This sentence is useful for describing the amount of food someone ate.Tatoeba #10103989 by Wezel, translation #10099993 by CK
- Он очень мало ест.He eats very little.This sentence is useful for describing the amount of food someone eats.Tatoeba #13298950 by Wezel, translation #13249460 by rul
- Извините, у меня очень мало времени.Excuse me, I have very little time.
- Я знаю крайне мало об этой теме.I know very little about this topic.
- У меня мизерный опыт работы в этой области.I have very little experience in this field.
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey and Ekaterina are talking about their available free time.
- Андрей AndreyУ тебя есть свободное время сегодня?U tebya yest' svobodnoye vremya segodnya?Do you have any free time today?
- Екатерина EkaterinaК сожалению, у меня очень мало времени.K sozhaleniyu, u menya ochen' malo vremeni.Unfortunately, I have very little time.
- Андрей AndreyПочему ты так занята, Екатерина?Pochemu ty tak zanyata, Ekaterina?Why are you so busy, Ekaterina?
- Екатерина EkaterinaУ меня сейчас очень мало выходных.U menya seychas ochen' malo vykhodnykh.I have very few days off right now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries мало, очень, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
