1Adverb meaning 'slightly', 'somewhat', or 'a little' — marks a small degree, quantity, or extent. Compared with 少し or ちょっと, やや is more formal and bookish, common in articles, news, and polite speech. It also appears in literary phrasing such as ややあって ('after a short while'). Almost always written in kana.
今日はやや肌寒いので、上着を持って行ったほうがいい。
It's a bit chilly today, so you should bring a jacket.
この問題はやや複雑で、説明にもう少し時間がかかります。
This issue is somewhat complex, and the explanation will take a bit more time.
今年の売上は前年に比べてやや減少した。
This year's sales decreased slightly compared with the previous year.
このサイズはやや大きいので、もう一つ小さいのを試したい。
This size is a little too big, so I'd like to try one size smaller.
ややあって、彼はようやく口を開いた。
After a short while, he finally began to speak.