How to Say ‘A little’ in Japanese
ちょっと
chotto
[choht-toh]
💬 Usage Tip: [ちょっと] is “a little,” but also a softener: [ちょっと…] can mean “um, actually…” or a gentle refusal. Also used for quick requests: [ちょっと待って].
🇯🇵 In Japan: A very Japanese “polite dodge”: [ちょっと…] often signals “no/it’s difficult” without saying [いいえ] directly.
Phrase Breakdown
ちょっと
chotto
[choht-toh]
a little; a bit; (softener) just a moment
Common adverb. Can mean a small amount/time, or soften a request/refusal (ちょっと… = well, it’s a bit…).
ちょっと待ってください。
Please wait a moment.
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