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How to Say ‘But it's a little cold at night.’ in Japanese

ただ、夜は少し寒いですよ。

tada yoru wa sukoshi samui desu yo

[TAH-dah yoru wah soo-koh-shee sah-MOO-ee dess yoh]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Staff rarely say no directly. A gentle "but..." warning like this is often a hint that another option might suit you better.

Phrase Breakdown

ただ、夜は

tada yoru wa

However, at night

ただ (tada) means 'however' or 'just' and introduces a caution. Pause briefly after it: ta-da, yo-ru wa.

Example

ただ、夜は混みます。

However, it gets crowded at night.

Words in this phrase

ただ

tada

[TAH-dah]

however; but

Conjunction adding a limitation to what was said.

Example

ただ、少し高いです。

However, it's a bit expensive.

夜

yoru

[yoru]

night

The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

Example

夜は静かだ。

The night is quiet.

は

[wah]

topic marker

は marks the topic of the sentence.

Example

空席はありますか。

Are there any seats available?

少し寒いですよ。

sukoshi samui desu yo

it's a little cold, you know.

This is a gentle warning. The 'u' in です is nearly silent: su-ko-shi sa-mui des yo.

Example

外は少し寒いですよ。

It's a little cold outside, you know.

Words in this phrase

少し

sukoshi

[soo-koh-shee]

a little; a bit

少し（すこし） means “a little.” Useful to describe mild pain, slight nausea, a small amount of fever, etc.

Example

おなかが少し痛いです。

My stomach hurts a little.

寒い

samui

[sah-MOO-ee]

cold

An i-adjective describing cold weather or air temperature.

Example

今日は寒いです。

It is cold today.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

よ

[yoh]

you know; emphasis

A sentence-ending particle that adds emphasis or friendliness.

Example

今日は二十人分だよのよはやわらかい感じです。

The yo in kyou wa nijuuninbun da yo gives a softer, friendly feeling.

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