少し

すこし
Alternative writings: 寡し, 些し
JLPT:N5
Frequency:

1An adverb meaning 'a little', 'a bit', 'slightly' — refers to a small amount or degree. Extremely common in everyday Japanese; close to ちょっと.

Adverb

Examples

少し休んでから、また仕事を続けよう。

Let's rest a little and then continue working.

コーヒーに砂糖を少し入れてください。

Please put a little sugar in the coffee.

今日は少し寒いですね。

It's a bit cold today, isn't it?

彼の日本語は少し上手になった。

His Japanese has gotten a little better.

2An adverb indicating a short period of time — 'a little while', 'a moment', as in 少し待つ ('wait a moment').

Adverb

Examples

少し待ってください、すぐ戻ります。

Please wait a moment; I'll be right back.

少しの間、目を閉じて休んだ。

I closed my eyes and rested for a little while.

もう少しで終わるから、待っていてね。

I'll be done in a little while, so wait for me.

3An adverb indicating a short distance or small spatial gap — 'a little way', 'a short distance', as in 少し先 ('a little further ahead').

Adverb

Examples

駅はここから少し離れています。

The station is a short distance from here.

少し先にコンビニがありますよ。

There's a convenience store a little further ahead.

Word Relationships