How to Say ‘A little busy’ in Japanese
少し忙しいです。
sukoshi isogashii desu
[soo-koh-shee ee-soh-gah-shee dess]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Saying [少し忙しいです。] is a mild, socially smooth way to mention being busy. Japanese often prefers this kind of softened wording over a stronger complaint, especially with in-laws.
Phrase Breakdown
少し
sukoshi
[soo-koh-shee]
a little; a bit
Shows a mild degree, softer than saying 'very busy.'
今日は少し忙しいですが、元気です。
I am a little busy today, but I am fine.
忙しいです
isogashii desu
Words in this phrase
忙しい
isogashii
[ee-soh-gah-shee]
busy
Describes being occupied with work or responsibilities.
最近は忙しいので早く寝たいです。
Recently I have been busy, so I want to sleep early.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
Polite ending used in everyday speech.
今週は少し忙しいです。
This week is a little busy.
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