little

The quality or state of being small in size, amount, or degree. When used as a noun, 'little' often refers to a small, unspecified quantity or portion of something, or a minor action or event. While Japanese has direct translations for 'smallness' (小ささ) or words indicating 'a small amount' (少し), the specific grammatical function of 'little' as a noun (e.g., 'a little of something', 'do a little') does not have a single, direct, functionally equivalent noun in Japanese. Instead, Japanese often uses adverbs, adjective-noun combinations, or specific phrasings to convey these nuances.

• I need a little more time to finish the report. — レポートを終えるのにあと少し時間が要ります。
• She knows a little about ancient history. — 彼女は古代史について少し知っています。
• Every little bit helps when you're saving money. — お金を貯める時はどんなに少なくても助けになる。

Small in size, amount, or degree; not large or much. It can also describe something as being young, unimportant, or endearing.

• The boy found a little bird with a broken wing. — その男の子は翼の折れた小さい鳥を見つけました。
• There was very little food left after the party. — パーティーの後、食べ物はほとんど残っていなかった。
• She’s just a little girl, so be kind to her. — 彼女はまだ小さい女の子だから、優しくしてあげて。

To a small extent or degree; not much or hardly at all. It indicates a minimal action, change, or impact.

• He smiled a little when he heard the good news. — 彼は良い知らせを聞いて少し微笑んだ。
• The situation has little improved since yesterday. — 状況は昨日からほとんど改善されていない。
• I little expected to see him there. — 彼がそこにいるとはほとんど予想していなかった。