How to Say ‘A little’ in Japanese
少しだけ
sukoshi dake
[skoh-shee dah-keh]
💬 Usage Tip: [少しだけ] means "just a little," with [だけ] adding the sense of limiting it. You can use the same pattern in [一つだけ] "just one" or [今日だけ] "just today."
Phrase Breakdown
少し
sukoshi
[skoh-shee]
a little; a bit
Used to say a small amount. It is common in polite offers and soft responses.
少しだけいただきます。
I'll just have a little.
だけ
dake
[dah-keh]
only; just
Adds the nuance of limitation, meaning 'just' or 'only' that amount.
お茶を少しだけください。
Please give me just a little tea.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager