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)

あまり～ないです (Amari ~ Nai Desu)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll learn how to express "not much" or "not very" in Japanese using the grammar point あまり～ないです (amari ~ nai desu). This structure helps you convey that something occurs to a small extent or less frequently than expected.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrase あまり～ないです is used to indicate that something is not done much, not very [adjective], or happens rarely. It adds a nuance of insufficiency or lesser degree to verbs, adjectives, and nouns.

Structure

The general structure is:

• あまり + Verb (negative form)
• あまり + い-Adjective (negative form)
• あまり + な-Adjective + ではない/じゃない
• あまり + Noun + ではない/じゃない

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

あまり～ないです vs. 全然～ないです

• あまり～ないです: not much, not very (partial negation)
• 全然～ないです: not at all, never (complete negation) Example:
• あまり分かりません。
  • Amari wakarimasen.
  • I don't understand much.
• 全然分かりません。
  • Zenzen wakarimasen.
  • I don't understand at all.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 彼はあまり運動しません。
   • Kare wa amari undō shimasen.
   • He doesn't exercise much.
2. この本はあまり面白くないです。
   • Kono hon wa amari omoshiroku nai desu.
   • This book is not very interesting.

Informal Speech

1. 最近、あまり寝てない。
   • Saikin, amari nete nai.
   • I haven't been sleeping much lately.
2. 彼女はあまり元気じゃない。
   • Kanojo wa amari genki ja nai.
   • She isn't very well.

Written Context

1. その映画はあまり評価されていない。
   • Sono eiga wa amari hyōka sarete inai.
   • That movie isn't highly rated.
2. 新製品の売り上げはあまり良くない。
   • Shinseihin no uriage wa amari yokunai.
   • Sales of the new product aren't very good.

Spoken Context

1. 今日はあまり忙しくないです。
   • Kyō wa amari isogashiku nai desu.
   • I'm not very busy today.
2. あまり気にしないで。
   • Amari ki ni shinaide.
   • Don't worry too much.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• あまり～ないです is polite and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
• In casual conversation, です can be omitted:
  • あまり好きじゃない。
    • Amari suki ja nai.
    • I don't like it much.

Idiomatic Expressions

• あまりにも: An emphasis meaning "too much" or "excessively".
  • あまりにも暑い。
    • Amari ni mo atsui.
    • It's too hot.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using a positive verb form: Remember that あまり must be followed by a negative form.
  • Incorrect: あまり食べます。
  • Correct: あまり食べません。
• Forgetting the negative ending:
  • Incorrect: あまり面白いです。
  • Correct: あまり面白くないです。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of あまり as "not much," so it needs a negative verb or adjective to complete the meaning.
• Practice Negatives: Get comfortable forming negative verbs and adjectives in Japanese.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• あまり～ないです expresses a lesser degree or frequency ("not much"/"not very").
• Always use a negative form of the verb, adjective, or noun copula.
• Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form: 私は ___ テレビを見ません。 (I don't watch TV much.) Answer: あまり
   Watashi wa amari terebi o mimasen.
2. True or False: あまり暑いです means "It's not very hot." Answer: False
   Correct: あまり暑くないです。
3. Choose the correct negative form: a) あまり話します。 b) あまり話しません。 Answer: b) あまり話しません。
   Amari hanashimasen. (I don't talk much.)

Feel free to create your own sentences using あまり～ないです to express things you don't do much or qualities that aren't very strong!