Japanese word

何分

Pronunciation

Romajinanibun

Meaning

  • nouna little

Example

何分時間がありませんので、急いでください。nani bun ji kan ga a ri ma se n no de iso i de ku da sa i

There is very little time, so please hurry.

Illustration for 何分 (a little)

More examples

何分のご配慮をいただけますと幸いです。nani bun no go hai ryo o i ta da ke ma su to saiwa i de su

I would be grateful for any consideration you could give.

Core concept

It leaves the exact amount or circumstances open while emphasizing either a small degree or a conclusion that stands regardless of circumstances.

Common phrases

  • 何分のご配慮nani bun no go hai ryo

    any consideration

Similar words

少しsukoshi: A small amount or degree expressed in ordinary, direct wording.
多少tashō: A small amount or degree, often used in polite or formal wording.
幾分ikubun: A somewhat small amount or degree, often in formal wording.
若干jakkan: A small unspecified amount or number used in factual descriptions.

Definition in Japanese

数量や程度がわずかであること、また、どのような事情でも同じ結果になること。sū ryō ya tei do ga wa zu ka de a ru ko to ma ta do no yō na ji jō de mo ona ji kek ka ni na ru ko to

Word origin

The spelling 何分 (nanibun) combines 何 (nani, "what") with 分 (bun, "portion"), so it names an unspecified portion and extends to a little or to a matter accepted despite circumstances.

Usage tips

  • In 何分よろしくお願いします (nanibun yoroshiku onegai shimasu), the word does not describe a quantity but belongs to a conventional polite expression used when making a request.

Other meanings

  • in any casenoun

Word lists with this word