Processing keyword: あまり～ありません (amari ~ arimasen)

Japanese Grammar Point: あまり～ありません (amari ~ arimasen)

JLPT Grammar Point: あまり～ありません (amari ~ arimasen)

1. Introduction

The grammar point あまり～ありません is commonly used in Japanese to express the idea of "not very much" or "not often." It is frequently employed to convey a limited amount or frequency of something and is often used with negative verbs.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase あまり～ありません (amari ~ arimasen) means "not very (much)" or "not often." It indicates a negative condition associated with quantity or frequency.
• Structure:
  • The general structure is: あまり + [negative verb] + ありません
  • Example: あまり食べません (amari tabemasen) translates to "I do not eat very much."

Formation Diagram

[あまり] + [Negative Verb] + [ありません]

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar expressions include:

• あまり + [verb] + ない (amari + [verb] + nai): This is a less formal version used in casual speech.
• あまりに + adjective + ない (amari ni + adjective + nai): Used for adjectives to highlight a low degree, e.g., あまりに難しくない (amari ni muzukashikunai) "not very difficult."

Differences

• あまり～ありません is more polite and formal compared to あまり～ない.
• あまり～ありません is often used in written or formal contexts, whereas あまり～ない is used in casual conversation.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 今日、宿題をあまりしませんでした。
     (Kyou, shukudai o amari shimasen deshita.)
     "I didn’t do very much homework today."

2. Informal:

   • あまりテレビを見ない。
     (Amari terebi o minai.)
     "I don’t watch TV very much."

3. Written:

   • 彼はあまりお金を持っていません。
     (Kare wa amari okane o motteimasen.)
     "He doesn’t have much money."

4. Spoken:

   • その映画はあまり面白くなかった。
     (Sono eiga wa amari omoshirokunakatta.)
     "That movie wasn’t very interesting."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Levels of Politeness: Using あまり～ありません conveys respect and politeness, making it appropriate for conversations with teachers, superiors, or in formal situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• There are no particular idiomatic expressions solely based on this grammar point, but it’s commonly used in various contexts to express humility regarding one's actions or possessions, which is significant in Japanese culture.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Learners commonly confuse the negative form:
  • Correct: あまり行きません (amari ikimasen) "I don't go very much."
  • Incorrect: あまり行きます (amari ikimasu) "I go not very much." (This is logically incorrect in the context of negativity.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that あまり implies "not much,” which can be visualized as a small amount on a scale; when you think of あまり, picture a scale tipping very lightly rather than heavily.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• あまり～ありません is used to express "not very much" or "not often" with negative verbs.
• It is appropriate for formal and polite contexts.
• Compare to the less formal version (あまり～ない) for casual speech.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does あまり～ありません mean in English?
2. Give an example of how to use あまり～ありません in a sentence.
3. When would you use あまり～ない instead?