Processing keyword: あまり～ないです (amari ~ nai desu)

Japanese Grammar Point: あまり～ないです (amari ~ nai desu)

JLPT Grammar Point: あまり～ないです (amari ~ nai desu)

1. Introduction

The grammar structure あまり～ないです is used to express a low degree or frequency of something, suggesting "not much" or "not very." It is commonly used in negative sentences to indicate that there is little of something or that an action doesn't happen often.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase conveys a sense of insufficiency or lack, implying that something occurs less than expected or desired.
• Structure:
  • あまり (amari): means "not much" or "not very."
  • Verb (negative form): to be used after あまり, usually in its negative form.
  • です (desu): polite ending particle.

Formation Diagram

Subject + あまり + Negative Verb + です

Examples of Structure

• あまり食べないです。 (amari tabenai desu) - "I don't eat much."
• あまり行かないです。 (amari ikanai desu) - "I don't go very often."

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with それほど (sorehodou)

• あまり (amari) is generally used to express a lower degree of intensity, while それほど (sorehodou) is used to negate more substantial or noticeable levels:
  • あまり美味しくないです。 (amari oishikunai desu) - "It's not very delicious."
  • それほど美味しくないです。 (sorehodou oishikunai desu) - "It's not that delicious."

Comparison with あまり (amari) in Affirmative Sentences

• あまり can also appear in affirmative sentences but usually with a positive nuance:
  • あまり好きです。 (amari suki desu) - "I like it a lot."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Informal:
   • 昨日はあまり遊ばなかった。
     (Kinou wa amari asobanakatta.)
     "I didn't play much yesterday."
2. Formal:
   • 彼の話はあまり面白くないです。
     (Kare no hanashi wa amari omoshiroku nai desu.)
     "His talk is not very interesting."
3. Written:
   • あまりの疲れで、仕事に行けなかった。
     (Amari no tsukare de, shigoto ni ikenakatta.)
     "I was too tired, so I couldn't go to work."
4. Spoken:
   • この映画はあまり好きじゃない。
     (Kono eiga wa amari suki janai.)
     "I don't really like this movie."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using あまり can reflect a level of self-deprecation or modesty, which is culturally significant in Japan. People often understate their likes, dislikes, or experiences to avoid appearing boastful or overly assertive.

Idiomatic Expressions

• あまりよくない (amari yokunai) - "not very good." This can be used in various contexts to express dissatisfaction modestly.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Overuse with positive forms: Avoid using あまり with positive verbs or adjectives as it inherently has a negative tone.
  • Incorrect: あまり行きます。
  • Correct: あまり行かないです。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate "あまり" with the image of a small quantity — like a small scoop of ice cream — to remember its meaning of "not much."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• あまり~ないです is used to express a lack or low degree of something.
• It is primarily used in negative sentences.
• Understand the nuance with similar expressions to avoid confusion.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does あまり~ないです mean?
2. Provide a sentence using あまり with a negative verb.
3. Compare あまり with それほど in terms of usage. Feel free to write down your answers to reinforce learning!