How to Say ‘I have a little time.’ in Japanese
少しあります。
sukoshi ari masu
[sukoshi ari masu]
💬 Usage Tip: This is a modest, natural reply. It sounds softer than saying you are totally free.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Being a little indirect can feel polite in Japanese. [少しあります。] leaves room and sounds easygoing.
Phrase Breakdown
少し
sukoshi
[sukoshi]
a little; a bit
Used to say a small amount or degree of something.
時間が少しあります。
I have a little time.
あります
ari masu
there is; I have
Used for non-living things, or for having something in a general sense such as time or money.
お金があります。
I have money.
Words in this phrase
あり
ari
[ari]
exist; have
Polite verb stem of ある, used for things that exist or that you have.
近くに店がありましたが、今もありそうです。
There was a shop nearby, and it seems there still is one now.
ます
masu
[masu]
polite verb ending
A polite ending attached to verb stems in non-past form.
ここで待ちます。
I will wait here.
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