BackGrammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 15
Structure of 少(すく)なくない:
Noun + は(1) + 少なくない
(1) が、も
Details about 少(すく)なくない:
Another expression that utilizes the 少 kanji (meaning 'few'), in its い-Adjective form, is 少なくない. This is an example of a double negative in Japanese, as 少ない 'a few' is being negated in 少なくない. Therefore, the meaning is 'not a few', and translates more closely to 'quite a few', or 'quite a lot'.
To use this expression, simply pair a noun with は, が, or も, and then follow it with 少なくない (or 少なくありません).
To use this expression, simply pair a noun with は, が, or も, and then follow it with 少なくない (or 少なくありません).
- 漢字を書 くのが嫌いな子は少なくない。There are quite a few children that dislike writing kanji.
- 私は好き嫌いが少なくないんです。I have many things that I like and dislike.
- 寝る前にお菓子を食べる人も少なくない。There are also many people that eat snacks before they sleep.
少(すく)なくない
Usage Notes for 少(すく)なくない:
The ない in 少ない is not the い-Adjective ない, but part of the word 少ない itself. There are several い-Adjectives like this in Japanese, and they will need to be remembered.
- 今年は去年よりも雨が降る日が少ない。Compared to last year, there are fewer days with rain this year.
- 天気が悪い時に釣りに行くのは危ない。It is dangerous to go fishing when the weather's bad.
- 手が汚いから手を洗 う。My hands are dirty so I will wash them.
Synonyms for 少(すく)なくない:
Example of 少(すく)なくない
アニメと漫画が好きな人は少なくないですよ。
There are quite a few people that like anime and manga.
ハセガワ：「僕は友達が少なくないよ。」
Hasegawa: 'I have quite a few friends.'
朝ごはんを食べない人も少なくないです。
There are quite a few people who do not eat breakfast.
そう思っている人も少なくない。
Quite a few people think like that.
彼女の欲しがっているものが少なくないんだ。
There are many things that she wants.
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