あまり言う

Here is the golden rule: amari is a bit of a drama queen and almost always needs a negative partner to mean "not much." So, you’ll usually see it as amari iwanai (casual) or amari iimasen (polite). You just take the topic you don't talk about, add the particle wa or o, and finish with this phrase. It’s like putting a 'low volume' filter on your conversation. If you use it with a positive verb, it actually means "say too much," but for now, focus on the negative to keep things simple!

Use this when someone asks if you’re a loud person at parties or if you complain about your boss. It’s perfect for those 'getting to know you' chats. If a friend asks, "Do you say 'I love you' a lot?" and you’re a bit shy, this phrase is your best friend. It’s also great for describing a quiet colleague who doesn't chime in much during meetings. It makes you sound humble and thoughtful.

Don't use this if you literally *never* say something. If you’ve never uttered a word of French in your life, use zenzen (not at all) instead. Also, avoid using it in its positive form amari iu unless you are specifically saying someone says *too much* in a very specific grammatical structure. Stick to the negative iwanai to avoid accidentally telling someone they talk too much!

Japan is a culture of 'reading the air' (kuuki o yomu). Being too talkative or blunt can sometimes be seen as a bit overwhelming. Using amari iwanai shows you are modest and choiceful with your words. It’s a linguistic way of being 'low-key.' It reflects the value placed on silence and choosing words carefully rather than just filling the air with noise. It’s the verbal equivalent of a polite nod.

You’ll hear amari iwanai de when someone wants you to stop saying something embarrassing—like that time you tripped in the cafeteria. In a professional setting, amari iimasen keeps things classy and respectful. If you want to sound a bit more casual with friends, you might just say amari iwanai na to yourself while thinking. There’s also amari iisugiru, which means saying *too* much—but that’s a story for another day!