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)

あまり～ありません (amari ~ arimasen)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressing the degree or frequency of an action or state is essential for clear communication. The grammar pattern あまり～ありません is used to indicate that something is "not very..." or "not much...". This lesson will delve into the usage of this pattern, helping you express negation with nuance.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• あまり (amari): An adverb meaning "not very", "not much", or "hardly".
• Combined with a negative verb or adjective, it downplays the extent or frequency of an action or state.

Structure

The basic structure is:

あまり + Verb (negative form)
あまり + い-adjective (－い + くない)　
あまり + な-adjective + ではない / じゃない

Formation Diagram

Examples of Structure

1. Verb Example:
   • あまり + 行きません (do not go much)
   • I don't go very often.
2. い-adjective Example:
   • あまり + 寒くない (not very cold)
   • It's not very cold.
3. な-adjective Example:
   • あまり + 静かじゃない (not very quiet)
   • It's not very quiet.

3. Comparative Analysis

• あまり～ありません vs. 全然～ありません (zenzen ~ arimasen)
  • あまり～ありません: Indicates "not very" or "not much"—a partial negation.
  • 全然～ありません: Means "not at all" or "never"—a complete negation.

    Expression	Degree of Negation	Example
    あまり～ありません	Partial	あまり分かりません (I don't understand much.)
    全然～ありません	Complete	全然分かりません (I don't understand at all.)

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 日本語の新聞はあまり読みません**。
   Nihongo no shinbun wa amari yomimasen.
   I don't read Japanese newspapers much.
2. 週末はあまり出かけません**。
   Shūmatsu wa amari dekakemasen.
   I don't go out much on weekends.

Informal Speech

1. 最近、映画をあまり見ない**。
   Saikin, eiga o amari minai.
   Lately, I don't watch movies much.
2. 甘い物はあまり好きじゃない**。
   Amai mono wa amari suki janai.
   I don't like sweet things much.

Written Language

1. この本はあまり面白くありません**でした。
   Kono hon wa amari omoshiroku arimasen deshita.
   This book wasn't very interesting.
2. その提案はあまり現実的ではありません**。
   Sono teian wa amari genjitsuteki dewa arimasen.
   That proposal isn't very realistic.

Spoken Language

1. あのレストランはあまり美味しくないよ**。
   Ano resutoran wa amari oishiku nai yo.
   That restaurant isn't very good.
2. 今日はあまり調子が良くない**。
   Kyō wa amari chōshi ga yokunai.
   I'm not feeling very well today.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, being indirect or less assertive is often preferred.
• Using あまり～ありません softens negative statements, making them more polite and less confrontational.

Levels of Politeness

• ありません is the polite negative form.
• In casual speech, ない is used instead.

Idiomatic Expressions

• あんまり is a colloquial variation of あまり.
  • Example: あんまり好きじゃない。
    Anmari suki janai.
    I don't like it that much.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting the Negative Form
   • Incorrect: あまり暑いです。
     Amari atsui desu.
     (Incorrect because "amari" requires a negative.)
   • Correct: あまり暑くありません。
     Amari atsuku arimasen.
     It's not very hot.
2. Using Affirmative Verbs
   • Incorrect: あまり食べます。
     Amari tabemasu.
     (Incorrect because "amari" should be with a negative verb.)
   • Correct: あまり食べません。
     Amari tabemasen.
     I don't eat much.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that あまり "does not marry" with affirmative verbs—it always pairs with negatives.
• Practice Negation: When you see あまり, ensure the verb or adjective is in its negative form.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• あまり～ありません is used to express that something is not very or not much.
• Always pair あまり with a negative verb or adjective.
• It's a polite and less direct way to express negation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form: 私はコーヒーを_______飲みません。
   Watashi wa kōhī o _______ nomimasen.
   (I don't drink coffee much.) Answer: あまり
2. True or False:
   You can use あまり with an affirmative verb form. Answer: False
3. Choose the correct sentence: a) あまり忙しいです。
   b) あまり忙しくないです。 Answer: b) あまり忙しくないです。
   It's not very busy.

By understanding and practicing the あまり～ありません pattern, you can express yourself more naturally and politely in Japanese conversations.