How to Say ‘It's a little difficult.’ in Japanese
少し難しいですね。
sukoshi muzukashii desu ne
[skoh-SHEE moo-zoo-kah-SHEE dess neh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japan, "a little difficult" is a polite way of saying no. Treat it as a refusal and be ready to suggest a lower figure.
Phrase Breakdown
少し
sukoshi
[skoh-SHEE]
a little
Adverb meaning a small amount.
砂糖を少し入れます。
I add a little sugar.
難しい
muzukashii
[moo-zoo-kah-SHEE]
difficult
Hard; in business it often softly means 'not possible'.
この問題は難しいです。
This problem is difficult.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
ね
ne
[neh]
isn't it?
Adds agreement, softness, or confirmation.
安心できますね。
It makes you feel at ease, doesn't it?
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