Hello again! Today we continue with yesterday's theme, as we will tomorrow too. These WordMaster editions are especially important, so look at them extra well.

A LITTLE vs. (ONLY A) LITTLE      いくらかの vs. ほとんどない(量)

A little means "some" or "not none".

Little and only a little mean "not much".

Phrases using "little" are followed by an uncountable noun; for example, "a little money".

(Be careful: In general, a little is used to make positive statements; we use it when we want to say that there IS some. But (only a) little feels negative; we use it to say that there is NOT much.)

a littleは、いくらかあるという意味です。

littleonly a littleは、ほとんどないという意味です。

littleの後には数えられない名詞が来ます。例: a little money(いくらかのお金)

注意: a littleは、肯定的な意味で、少しではあるが、ある、と言いたいときに使います。

(only a) littleは、否定的な意味で、ほとんどない、ほんの僅かしかない、

と言いたいときに使います。

 

1. a: Do we have any more sugar?

   b: Yes, I think there's a little in that cabinet over there.

2. I'm so busy these days, I have very little time to spend with my children.

3. a: Who wants some ice cream?

   b: I'll have a little.

4. a: Would you like some more ice cream?

   b: Only a little this time, please, I'm getting full.

Make the most of the rest of your weekend!