How to Say ‘A little / slightly’ in Japanese
ちょっと
chotto
[choht-toh]
💬 Usage Tip: Magic softener: [ちょっと] often means “a bit…” but can also imply “(it’s kind of a problem…)” without saying it bluntly.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese complaints often rely on gentle hints. [ちょっと] is the classic “polite warning light.”
Phrase Breakdown
ちょっと
chotto
[choht-toh]
a little; a bit; (softener) kind of…
Very useful to soften complaints/requests: 「ちょっと大きい」 sounds less aggressive than “too loud.”
すみません、音楽がちょっと大きいです。
Excuse me, the music is a little loud.
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