BackGrammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 8
Structure of 余(あま)り～ない:
あまり(1) + Verb［ない］
あまり(1) + ［い］Adjective［ない］
あまり(1) + Noun + ではない(2)
あまり + ［な］Adjective + ではない(2)
(1) あんまり
(2) じゃない
Details about 余(あま)り～ない:
あまり is a very flexible word in Japanese, that is used in several different grammar points. When paired with the ない form of a word, it translates to 'not very (A)', or 'hardly (A)'. To pair あまり (or the casual form, あんまり) with another word, we just need to place it at the beginning of a phrase, or directly before the ない statement.
- 今の時間だったらあまり並ばないと思うよ。At this time, I think we would not have to stand in line for very long.
- 私には犬がいるからあまり寂しくない。I have a dog, so I don't feel lonely very much.
- 最近はどこもあまり平和ではない。Recently, nowhere has been very peaceful.
- そこの肉屋の肉はあまりいい肉ではない。Meat from that butcher over there is hardly good.
余(あま)り～ない
Usage Notes for 余(あま)り～ない:
Synonyms for 余(あま)り～ない:
あまり
So much...that
そんなに
So (much), That much, Like that
すこしも～ない
Not even a little, Not at all, Not in the least, Never
全く～ない
Not~at all
なかなか～ない
Not really, Hardly, Not easily or readily, By no means, Far from
別に〜ない
Not really, Not particularly, It's not like...
めったに〜ない
Hardly, Rarely, Seldom
なかなか
Very, Quite, Considerably
Example of 余(あま)り～ない
このケーキはあまり美味しくない。
This cake isn't very delicious.
あまり肉を食べない。
I don't eat very much meat.
あまりいい車ではないけど、走れるからいいんじゃない？
This car isn't that great, but it runs so that's good enough, right?
あまり大変なことではないから、心配いらないよ。
It isn't that big of a deal, so you don't have to worry.
寿司をあまり食べたいと思わない。
I don't really think I want to eat sushi.
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