Japanese word

少量

Pronunciation

Romajishōryō

Meaning

  • nounsmall quantity, small amount

Example

スープに少量の塩を入れます。sū pu ni shō ryō no shio o i re ma su

I add a small quantity of salt to the soup.

Illustration for 少量 (small quantity)

More examples

少量の水を飲みます。shō ryō no mizu o no mi ma su

I drink a small amount of water.

薬は少量の水で飲みます。kusuri wa shō ryō no mizu de no mi ma su

Take the medicine with a small amount of water.

Core concept

Describes a small amount that is understood by comparison with a normal or needed amount.

Common phrases

  • 少量の水shō ryō no mizu

    a small amount of water

  • 少量を加えるshō ryō o kuwa e ru

    add a small amount

  • 少量ずつshō ryō zu tsu

    in small amounts

Similar words

少しsukoshi: A small amount that does not require an exact measurement in everyday speech.
微量biryō: A very small amount of a substance, often used in technical or scientific descriptions.

Definition in Japanese

通常の分量に比べてわずかな量であること。tsū jō no bun ryō ni kura be te wa zu ka na ryō de a ru ko to

Word origin

少量 (shōryō, "small quantity") is formed from 少 (shō, "few") and 量 (ryō, "amount"), so its meaning centers on a limited amount.

Usage tips

  • 少量 (shōryō) is useful in cooking instructions because it indicates that an ingredient is needed but does not require a precise measurement.

Opposites

Word lists with this word