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A1 noun #3,924 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

少量

shōryō Top 3,924

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Erklärung 少量 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn 'sukoshi' or 'chotto' for 'a little.' However, you will see '少量' (shōryō) very early on if you look at Japanese food packaging or simple recipes. Think of it as a formal label. While you might say 'sukoshi' to your friend, a book will write 'shōryō.' At this stage, just remember that 'shōryō' is a noun that means 'a small amount.' You will most likely see it in the pattern 'shōryō no [something]' like 'shōryō no mizu' (a small amount of water). It is a helpful word to recognize because it appears on the instructions of many products you might buy in Japan, from snacks to skincare. Don't worry about using it in conversation yet; just focus on recognizing it as the 'professional' version of 'a little.'

At the A2 level, you should start noticing the difference between adverbs and nouns. 'Shōryō' is a noun. This means you can use it with particles like 'o' and 'ga.' For example, 'Shōryō o iremasu' (I will put in a small amount). You might also encounter the phrase 'shōryō-zutsu,' which means 'a little bit at a time.' This is very useful for explaining how to do things, like cooking or cleaning. You are beginning to move beyond basic survival Japanese into 'instructional' Japanese. Understanding 'shōryō' helps you follow directions more accurately. You should also be able to contrast it with its opposite, 'tairyō' (large quantity), which often appears in the same contexts like shopping or waste disposal.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'shōryō' in appropriate contexts, such as writing a simple report or explaining a process formally. You should understand that 'shōryō' is preferred in written Japanese over 'sukoshi.' For instance, if you are writing an email to a colleague about a project, you might say 'shōryō no mondai ga arimasu' (there are a small number of problems) to sound more professional. You should also become familiar with compound words like 'shōryō seisan' (small-scale production). At this level, your goal is to use 'shōryō' to increase the 'stiffness' or formality of your Japanese when the situation calls for it, such as in a workplace or a formal letter.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with 'shōryō' in technical and specialized contexts. You will encounter it in news articles, scientific summaries, and business reports. You should understand the nuance it carries—that the amount is specifically 'limited' or 'measured.' You will also see it used in more abstract ways, such as 'shōryō no yūgai busshitsu' (trace amounts of harmful substances) in environmental reports. At this stage, you should also be able to distinguish 'shōryō' from more specific terms like 'biryō' (micro-amount) or 'sashō' (slight/trifling). Your vocabulary is becoming more precise, allowing you to describe not just 'how much,' but the 'nature' of the quantity in a formal setting.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the register and collocations of 'shōryō.' You will encounter it in academic papers and high-level business strategy documents. You should be familiar with phrases like 'shōryō ta-hinshū gata' (small-volume, high-variety model) and understand the economic implications of such terms. You should also be able to use 'shōryō' rhetorically to downplay or emphasize quantities in a sophisticated manner. For example, using 'shōryō' to describe a budget might imply precision and careful allocation. Your mastery of this word involves knowing exactly when its formality adds value to your communication and when a different synonym might provide a more specific nuance.

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At the C2 level, 'shōryō' is a basic building block that you use with complete native-like fluidity. You understand its historical roots and how it fits into the broader landscape of Sino-Japanese vocabulary. You can distinguish between 'shōryō' and archaic or highly literary terms like 'sunshi' (a small token of gratitude) or 'gōmatsu' (a tiny bit - usually in the negative). You can read between the lines when 'shōryō' is used in legal or medical documents, understanding the specific regulatory or safety thresholds it implies. Your use of the word is perfectly calibrated to the audience, whether you are delivering a keynote speech on manufacturing logistics or analyzing the chemical composition of a rare artifact.

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少量 in 30 Sekunden

A formal noun meaning 'small quantity'.
Common in recipes, medicine, and science.
More professional than the word 'sukoshi'.
Used to describe physical volume or mass.

The Japanese word 少量 (shōryō) is a formal and precise noun that translates to "a small quantity" or "a limited amount." While English speakers might use the word "a little" or "a bit" in almost any situation, Japanese distinguishes between the adverbial "a little" (少し - sukoshi) and the nominal "small quantity" (少量). This word is composed of two kanji: 少 (few/small) and 量 (quantity/volume). When combined, they create a term that is highly functional in professional, technical, and instructional environments. You will most frequently encounter this word in contexts where precision matters—think of a recipe requiring a "small amount" of salt, a scientific report discussing a "small quantity" of a chemical reagent, or a medical prescription advising a "small dose" of medication.

Etymology and Nuance: The term stems from Middle Chinese roots (Sino-Japanese reading). Unlike the native Japanese word 'sukoshi', which feels personal and subjective, 'shōryō' feels objective and measurable. It implies that the amount is small relative to a total capacity or a standard requirement.
Formal Usage: In business or manufacturing, you might hear about 'shōryō seisan' (small-scale production). This highlights the word's role in describing systems and logistics rather than just casual amounts of food or drink.

この薬は少量でも効果があります。
(This medicine is effective even in a small quantity.)

In daily life, you might see this on packaging. For example, a cosmetic bottle might instruct you to "apply a small amount" (少量を取り、肌になじませてください). Here, the word provides a sense of caution and instruction. It suggests that using more than necessary is either wasteful or potentially harmful. This instructional tone is a key characteristic of the word. It isn't just about 'not much'; it's about 'the specific small portion required for the task at hand'.

実験には少量のサンプルが必要です。
(A small amount of sample is required for the experiment.)

Visualizing Quantity: Think of 'shōryō' as a teaspoon compared to a bucket. It is the 'pinch' of salt in a recipe or the 'drop' of oil in a machine. It is often used with the particle 'no' to modify another noun: 'shōryō no mizu' (a small amount of water).

To truly master this word, one must recognize its relationship with its opposite: 大量 (tairyō). In industrial contexts, these two form a binary. You either produce in large quantities (mass production) or small quantities (niche or custom production). Understanding this contrast helps anchor the word in its proper semantic field of 'measurement and logistics'.

ワインを少量だけ飲みました。
(I drank only a small amount of wine.)

Using 少量 (shōryō) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun. Unlike 'sukoshi' or 'chotto,' which are versatile adverbs, 'shōryō' behaves strictly like a substantive word representing a physical volume. The most common grammatical pattern is [Noun] + の + 少量 or, more frequently, 少量 + の + [Noun]. For instance, 'shōryō no shio' (a small amount of salt). This structure allows you to specify exactly what is being measured in a small quantity.

料理に少量の砂糖を加えます。
(Add a small amount of sugar to the dish.)

Another frequent pattern is using 'shōryō' with the particle ずつ (zutsu), which means 'each' or 'at a time.' Saying 少量ずつ (shōryō-zutsu) implies 'a little bit at a time' or 'in small increments.' This is incredibly useful for instructions. If you are teaching someone how to pour water into flour, you would say 'shōryō-zutsu kuwaete kudasai' (please add it a little at a time). This adds a layer of precision and care to the action being described.

The 'Dake' Limitation: Often, 'shōryō' is paired with 'dake' (only) to emphasize the restriction. 'Shōryō dake kudasai' (Please give me only a small amount). This is a polite way to decline a large portion of food or drink at a social gathering.

ご飯は少量だけでいいです。
(A small amount of rice is enough.)

In more advanced or technical writing, 'shōryō' can be the subject or object of a sentence without the 'no' particle if the context is already established. For example, in a medical context: 'Shōryō o tōyo suru' (to administer a small amount). Here, 'shōryō' is treated as a specific unit of measurement. It is also common in the phrase 少量多品種 (shōryō ta-hinshū), which is a business term for 'small-quantity, wide-variety production.' This refers to a manufacturing strategy where many different types of products are made in small batches.

朝食はいつも少量です。
(My breakfast is always a small quantity.)

Finally, consider the word in the context of 'remaining amounts.' If you have a small amount of something left, you might say 'shōryō nokotte iru.' This is more formal than 'ato sukoshi.' It sounds like you are assessing stock or inventory. This professional nuance is why 'shōryō' is a staple in JLPT exams and business Japanese textbooks—it bridges the gap between basic counting and professional measurement.

Understanding where 少量 (shōryō) appears in the wild helps you differentiate it from casual speech. You are unlikely to hear a child say 'shōryō' when they want a little bit of candy; they will use 'chotto.' However, if that same child is looking at the back of a candy wrapper, they might see the word 'shōryō' in the nutritional information or allergy warnings.

1. The Kitchen and Cookbooks: In Japanese recipes, 'shōryō' is the standard way to say 'a pinch' or 'a small amount' when a specific measurement like '1 teaspoon' isn't necessary. You will see 'shio: shōryō' (salt: a small amount) listed in ingredients.
2. Medical and Pharmaceutical Contexts: If you visit a Japanese pharmacy, the pharmacist or the medicine's instruction leaflet (tenpū bunsho) will use 'shōryō.' Warnings like 'shōryō no mizude nonde kudasai' (please take with a small amount of water) are common.

この商品は少量生産のため、売り切れになることがあります。
(Because this product is produced in small quantities, it may sell out.)

In the world of retail and manufacturing, 'shōryō' is a key marketing and logistical term. 'Limited edition' items are often described as being produced in 'shōryō.' This creates a sense of scarcity and value. When a shop says they have 'shōryō zaiko' (a small amount of stock left), they are using formal language to encourage you to buy quickly. It sounds more official and reliable than 'ato sukoshi shika nai' (there's only a little left).

You will also hear this in high-end dining. A waiter at a traditional Kaiseki restaurant might describe a dish as containing a 'shōryō' of a rare seasonal ingredient. In this context, the word emphasizes the preciousness of the ingredient. It’s not just 'a little'; it’s a 'carefully measured small portion' intended to be savored. This highlights the word's versatility—from the sterile environment of a lab to the artistic presentation of a Michelin-starred meal.

お酒は少量なら健康にいいと言われています。
(It is said that alcohol is good for health if it's in a small quantity.)

Finally, in the digital age, you might see it in app settings. An app might have a 'shōryō dēta mōdo' (low data mode) or instructions to 'upload a shōryō of data.' Even in the virtual world, the need to describe 'volume' formally persists, making 'shōryō' an essential part of the modern Japanese lexicon.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 少量 (shōryō) is confusing it with the adjective 少ない (sukunai) or the adverb 少し (sukoshi). While all three relate to 'a small amount,' they function very differently in a sentence. 'Sukunai' is used to describe a state (e.g., 'The people are few'). 'Sukoshi' is used to modify verbs or adjectives (e.g., 'Eat a little'). 'Shōryō,' however, is a noun. You cannot say 'Shōryō hito ga imasu'—that is grammatically broken. You must treat it as a thing: 'Shōryō no hito' (though even that sounds odd; 'shōryō' is usually for mass/volume, not people).

Mistake 1: Using it for People: Learners often try to use 'shōryō' to mean 'a few people.' In Japanese, 'shōryō' refers to volume, weight, or mass. For people, you should use 'shōsū' (少数 - small number) or simply 'sukunai hito'. Using 'shōryō' for people sounds like you are measuring them by the liter!
Mistake 2: Adverbial Misuse: Saying 'Shōryō wakarimasu' (I understand a small amount) is incorrect. You should use 'sukoshi wakarimasu'. 'Shōryō' is for physical quantities you can put in a jar or weigh on a scale.

❌ 昨日は少量寝ました。
(Incorrect: I slept a small quantity yesterday.)

Another mistake involves formality levels. Using 'shōryō' in a very casual conversation with friends can sound overly stiff or 'robotic.' If a friend asks how much milk you want in your coffee, saying 'Shōryō kudasai' sounds like you're in a laboratory. 'Sukoshi de ii yo' or 'Chotto de ii' is much more natural. Save 'shōryō' for when you are reading instructions, writing a report, or speaking in a professional capacity.

Lastly, be careful with the particle 'no.' Since 'shōryō' is a noun, it almost always needs 'no' to modify another noun. 'Shōryō shio' is wrong; 'Shōryō no shio' is correct. This is a common hurdle for English speakers who are used to 'small amount' acting as a compound adjective. In Japanese, the bridge 'no' is essential for the grammar to hold together.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for describing 'smallness.' Choosing the right one depends on the context, the object being described, and the level of formality. 少量 (shōryō) is the 'standard formal' choice for volume, but here are its neighbors:

1. 少し (Sukoshi): The most common and versatile word. It can be a noun or an adverb. Use this for time, effort, feeling, and quantity. Unlike 'shōryō,' it is perfectly fine in casual speech.
2. わずか (Wazuka): This word emphasizes that the amount is 'merely' or 'only' a tiny bit. It often carries a nuance of 'not enough' or 'surprisingly small.' For example, 'wazuka na jikan' (a mere moment).
3. 微量 (Biryō): This is even smaller than 'shōryō.' It means 'micro-amount' or 'trace amount.' You hear this in chemistry or forensic science (e.g., trace amounts of poison).

比較表:
・少量: 一般的なフォーマルな「少し」
・微量: 科学的な極めて少ない量
・若干: 「少し」だが、はっきりしない量

Another interesting alternative is 若干 (jakkan). This is often used in business to mean 'some' or 'a few,' but it feels more vague and less about physical volume than 'shōryō.' If a company is hiring '若干名' (jakkan-mei), it means they are looking for a small, unspecified number of people. If they said 'shōsū,' it would sound more definite.

Finally, for very casual or cute situations, you might hear ちょっぴり (choppiri). This is an onomatopoeic-style word that implies a tiny, cute amount. You would never use 'choppiri' in a scientific report, just as you would rarely use 'shōryō' when telling a friend you're 'a tiny bit' tired. Understanding these boundaries makes your Japanese sound natural and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji for '量' (quantity) originally depicted a bag of grain being measured on a scale. It's all about the physical act of weighing something out!

Aussprachehilfe

UK ʃoːɾʲoː

US ʃoʊɾjoʊ

Heiban (Flat) accent. The pitch stays consistent across all syllables.

Reimt sich auf

kōryō (綱領) jōryō (蒸留 - similar) tōryō (棟梁) hōryō (放量) sōryō (送料) dōryō (同僚) kyōryō (橋梁) jūryō (重量)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'ryo' as two separate syllables 'ri-o'. It should be one fluid sound.
Shortening the long 'o' sounds to 'shoryo'.
Confusing the tapped 'r' with an English 'l' or 'r'.
Applying English stress on the first syllable.
Adding a 'w' sound at the end of the vowels.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The kanji are basic (N5/N4 level), but the reading 'shōryō' requires remembering the long vowels.

Schreiben 2/5

Both kanji are common and easy to write.

Sprechen 3/5

The 'ryō' sound can be tricky for English speakers to pronounce quickly.

Hören 2/5

Easily distinguishable due to its unique rhythm.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

少ない (sukunai) 少し (sukoshi) 量 (ryō) 水 (mizu) 塩 (shio)

Als Nächstes lernen

大量 (tairyō) 微量 (biryō) 適量 (tekiryō) 分量 (bunryō) 成分 (seibun)

Fortgeschritten

些少 (sashō) 若干 (jakkan) 僅少 (kinshō) 寡少 (kashō)

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + の + Noun

少量の砂糖

Particle 'o' for objects

薬を少量飲む

Suffix '-zutsu' for increments

少量ずつ入れる

Particle 'dake' for limitation

少量だけでいい

Particle 'demo' for 'even'

少量でも効果がある

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Beispiele nach Niveau

少量の水。 (Shōryō no mizu.)

A small amount of water.

'no' connects 'shōryō' to the noun 'mizu'.

塩を少量入れます。 (Shio o shōryō iremasu.)

Put in a small amount of salt.

Here 'shōryō' acts as the object of 'iremasu'.

少量の砂糖。 (Shōryō no satō.)

A small amount of sugar.

A1 students use this in recipes.

薬を少量飲みます。 (Kusuri o shōryō nomimasu.)

I take a small amount of medicine.

Common in health contexts.

少量の油。 (Shōryō no abura.)

A small amount of oil.

Used in cooking instructions.

ごはんは少量です。 (Gohan wa shōryō desu.)

The rice is a small amount.

Using 'shōryō' as a predicate.

少量のペンキ。 (Shōryō no penki.)

A small amount of paint.

Describing physical volume.

少量のミルク。 (Shōryō no miruku.)

A small amount of milk.

Simple noun phrase.

少量ずつ食べてください。 (Shōryō-zutsu tabete kudasai.)

Please eat a little bit at a time.

'-zutsu' means 'each' or 'at a time'.

このクリームを少量取ります。 (Kono kurīmu o shōryō torimasu.)

Take a small amount of this cream.

Instructional usage.

少量の雨が降りました。 (Shōryō no ame ga furimashita.)

A small amount of rain fell.

Describing weather phenomena.

少量の在庫があります。 (Shōryō no zaiko ga arimasu.)

There is a small amount of stock.

Business/Retail context.

お酒は少量だけにします。 (Osake wa shōryō dake ni shimasu.)

I will stick to only a small amount of alcohol.

'dake' emphasizes 'only'.

少量でも満足です。 (Shōryō demo manzoku desu.)

I am satisfied even with a small amount.

'demo' means 'even if'.

少量のゴミが出ました。 (Shōryō no gomi ga demashita.)

A small amount of trash was produced.

Describing household waste.

少量の塩分を控える。 (Shōryō no enbun o hikaeru.)

Cut back on even a small amount of salt.

Health advice context.

この製品は少量生産です。 (Kono seihin wa shōryō seisan desu.)

This product is made in small quantities.

'Shōryō seisan' is a common compound noun.

少量の血液を採取しました。 (Shōryō no ketsueki o saishu shimashita.)

A small amount of blood was collected.

Medical/Formal terminology.

少量のガスが漏れています。 (Shōryō no gasu ga morete imasu.)

A small amount of gas is leaking.

Safety/Technical reporting.

少量のサンプルを送ってください。 (Shōryō no sanpuru o okutte kudasai.)

Please send a small sample.

Business request.

少量の資金で始めました。 (Shōryō no shikin de hajimemashita.)

I started with a small amount of capital.

Entrepreneurial context.

少量の添加物が含まれています。 (Shōryō no tenkabutsu ga fukumarete imasu.)

A small amount of additives are included.

Passive voice usage.

少量の情報を共有する。 (Shōryō no jōhō o kyōyū suru.)

To share a small amount of information.

Abstract usage of quantity.

少量のミスも見逃さない。 (Shōryō no misu mo minogasanai.)

Don't overlook even a small number of mistakes.

Note: 'shōsū' might be better for countable errors, but 'shōryō' is used rhetorically for 'volume' of error.

極めて少量の放射線。 (Kiwamete shōryō no hōshasen.)

An extremely small amount of radiation.

'Kiwamete' (extremely) modifies 'shōryō'.

少量の毒素が検出された。 (Shōryō no dokuso ga kenshutsu sareta.)

A small amount of toxin was detected.

Scientific/Forensic reporting.

少量多品種の市場ニーズ。 (Shōryō ta-hinshū no ichiba nīzu.)

Market needs for small-quantity, high-variety [products].

Economic/Marketing jargon.

少量のエネルギーで稼働する。 (Shōryō no enerugī de kadō suru.)

It operates on a small amount of energy.

Engineering context.

少量の雨が作物を救った。 (Shōryō no ame ga sakumotsu o sukutta.)

A small amount of rain saved the crops.

Narrative formal style.

少量の飲酒が運転に影響する。 (Shōryō no inshu ga unten ni eikyō suru.)

Even a small amount of drinking affects driving.

Legal/Safety warning.

少量の油分で揚げ物ができる。 (Shōryō no ubun de agemono ga dekiru.)

You can fry food with a small amount of oil.

Product feature description.

少量の変化が大きな差を生む。 (Shōryō no henka ga ōkina sa o umu.)

A small amount of change creates a big difference.

Philosophical/Abstract context.

微量と少量の定義の違い。 (Biryō to shōryō no teigi no chigai.)

The difference in definition between trace amounts and small quantities.

Comparing technical synonyms.

少量のサンプルからDNAを抽出。 (Shōryō no sanpuru kara DNA o chūshutsu.)

Extracting DNA from a small amount of sample.

Advanced biology context.

少量の株式を保有している。 (Shōryō no kabushiki o hoyū shite iru.)

Holding a small number of shares.

Financial/Investment terminology.

少量の不純物が品質を下げる。 (Shōryō no fujunbutsu ga hinshitsu o sageru.)

A small amount of impurities lowers the quality.

Manufacturing quality control.

少量の犠牲はやむを得ない。 (Shōryō no gisei wa yamu o enai.)

A small amount of sacrifice is unavoidable.

Ethical/Strategic discussion.

少量のデータから予測を行う。 (Shōryō no dēta kara yosoku o okonau.)

Making predictions from a small amount of data.

Data science context.

少量の香料が全体を引き立てる。 (Shōryō no kōryō ga zentai o hikitateru.)

A small amount of fragrance enhances the whole.

Aesthetic/Design context.

少量の知識は危険である。 (Shōryō no chishiki wa kiken de aru.)

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Translating English proverbs.

少量の試薬による触媒反応。 (Shōryō no shiyaku ni yoru shokubai hannō.)

Catalytic reaction using a small amount of reagent.

Advanced chemistry.

少量の差異が構造的欠陥を招く。 (Shōryō no sai ga kōzōteki kekkan o maneku.)

A small amount of variance leads to structural defects.

Engineering/Structural analysis.

少量の資源をいかに分配するか。 (Shōryō no shigen o ikani bunpai suru ka.)

How to distribute a small amount of resources.

Political science/Economics.

少量の文献しか残っていない。 (Shōryō no bunken shika nokotte inai.)

Only a small amount of literature remains.

Historical research context.

少量の沈殿物が確認された。 (Shōryō no chindenbutsu ga kakunin sareta.)

A small amount of precipitate was confirmed.

High-level laboratory reporting.

少量の変動が市場を攪乱する。 (Shōryō no hendō ga ichiba o kakuran suru.)

A small amount of fluctuation disturbs the market.

Financial analysis.

少量の言葉に重みを込める。 (Shōryō no kotoba ni omomi o komeru.)

To imbue a small number of words with weight.

Literary/Philosophical expression.

少量の光が闇を照らし出す。 (Shōryō no hikari ga yami o terashidasu.)

A small amount of light illuminates the darkness.

Poetic/Metaphorical usage.

Synonyme

少し少々わずか微量ちょっぴり

Gegenteile

多量大量

Häufige Kollokationen

少量の水

少量生産

少量ずつ

極めて少量

少量の在庫

少量の血液

少量の塩

少量の電力

少量の雨

少量のゴミ

Häufige Phrasen

少量ですが

— Used when giving a small gift or amount of food. It shows modesty.

少量ですが、お近づきの印に。

少量多品種

— A manufacturing term for producing many types of products in small batches.

わが社は少量多品種生産を得意としています。

少量危険物

— A legal term for small amounts of hazardous materials that still require care.

ここは少量危険物の貯蔵所です。

少量飲酒

— Refers to the act of drinking a small amount of alcohol.

少量飲酒の健康への影響。

少量投与

— Administering a small dose of medication.

最初は少量投与から始めます。

少量サンプル

— A small sample size or physical sample.

少量サンプルでテストを行う。

少量でも可

— Used in business to say 'Small orders are acceptable'.

ご注文は少量でも可です。

少量限定

— Limited to a small quantity (marketing term).

少量限定入荷のためお早めに。

少量摂取

— Ingesting a small amount of something.

カフェインの少量摂取。

少量廃棄

— Disposing of a small amount of waste.

少量のゴミの廃棄方法。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

少量 vs 少ない (sukunai)

Sukunai is an adjective ('few/little'). Shōryō is a noun ('small quantity').

少量 vs 微量 (biryō)

Biryō is even smaller, like 'trace amounts' in a lab.

少量 vs 重量 (jūryō)

Jūryō means 'weight'. They look similar but mean different things.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"少量を重んじる"

— To value quality over quantity; to treat small amounts with respect.

彼は少量を重んじる職人だ。

Formal

"少量の油を注ぐ"

— To add a small amount of fuel to a fire (metaphorically to keep something going).

議論に少量の油を注ぐような発言。

Literary

"少量で足る"

— A small amount is sufficient.

このスパイスは少量で足る。

Neutral

"少量の知恵"

— A small amount of wit or wisdom (often humble).

少量の知恵を絞って考えた。

Humble

"少量の毒は薬になる"

— A small amount of poison can be medicine (nuance: everything in moderation).

昔から、少量の毒は薬になると言われる。

Proverbial

"少量に泣く"

— To suffer because of a slightly insufficient amount.

少量の不足に泣く結果となった。

Literary

"少量を分かつ"

— To share a small amount with others.

限られた少量を分かち合う。

Literary

"少量の灯火"

— A small flame (metaphor for hope or small presence).

暗闇に少量の灯火が見えた。

Poetic

"少量を良しとする"

— To consider a small amount to be good or sufficient.

贅沢をせず、少量を良しとする生活。

Philosophical

"少量の塵も積もれば山となる"

— Even small amounts of dust, if piled up, become a mountain.

少量の節約も、積もれば山となる。

Proverbial

Leicht verwechselbar

少量 vs 少し (sukoshi)

Both mean 'a little'.

Sukoshi is an adverb/noun used in daily life. Shōryō is a formal noun for volume.

少し待って vs 少量の水

少量 vs 少数 (shōsū)

Both mean 'small amount/number'.

Shōsū is for countable items (people, votes). Shōryō is for uncountable volume (water, salt).

少数意見 vs 少量の雨

少量 vs 若干 (jakkan)

Both mean 'some/a little'.

Jakkan is more vague and used for numbers/time. Shōryō is specific to physical quantity.

若干の時間 vs 少量の薬

少量 vs 些少 (sashō)

Both are formal words for 'small amount'.

Sashō is a humble term used for gifts. Shōryō is a neutral technical term.

些少の品 vs 少量のサンプル

少量 vs 微量 (biryō)

Both refer to small quantities.

Biryō is a scientific term for 'micro' or 'trace' amounts. Shōryō is a general small amount.

微量の毒 vs 少量の塩

Satzmuster

少量の [Noun]

少量の水

少量ずつ [Verb]

少量ずつ食べます

少量 [Particle] [Verb]

薬を少量飲みました

極めて少量

極めて少量の毒素

少量多品種

少量多品種の生産体制

少量の [Abstract Noun]

少量の不純物

少量だけでいい

塩は少量だけでいいです

少量の [Noun] が残る

少量の在庫が残っています

Wortfamilie

Substantive

分量 (bunryō) - portion/amount

数量 (sūryō) - quantity

重量 (jūryō) - weight

容量 (yōryō) - capacity

Verben

計量する (keiryō suru) - to measure

測量する (sokuryō suru) - to survey/measure

Adjektive

少ない (sukunai) - few/little

少なめ (sukuname) - on the small side

Verwandt

多量 (taryō) - large amount

適量 (tekiryō) - appropriate amount

微量 (biryō) - trace amount

質量 (shitsuryō) - mass

熱量 (netsuryō) - calories/heat

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High in written/technical contexts; moderate in speech.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'shōryō' for people. → 少数 (shōsū)
Shōryō is for volume/mass. You can't have a 'volume' of people.
Saying 'shōryō taberu'. → 少し食べる (sukoshi taberu)
Shōryō is a noun, not an adverb. You need 'o' or 'zutsu' if you use it with a verb.
Confusing 'shōryō' with 'jūryō'. → 少量 (shōryō)
Jūryō means weight. Shōryō means small quantity.
Using 'shōryō' for time. → 短時間 (tanshikan)
Time is not measured in 'shōryō'. Use specific time words.
Omitting 'no' in 'shōryō mizu'. → 少量の水 (shōryō no mizu)
Noun-noun connections in Japanese require the particle 'no'.

Tipps

Use in Recipes

When reading Japanese recipes, look for '少量' for ingredients like spices or oils.

The 'No' Bridge

Always remember '少量の [Noun]'. It acts like 'A small amount OF something'.

Business Writing

Use '少量' in emails to describe small quantities of products or data to sound more professional.

Weather Reports

Listen for 'shōryō no ame' in the weather forecast to know if you need a heavy umbrella or just a light one.

Long Vowels

Make sure to hold the 'o' sounds in both syllables. It's shō-ryō, not sho-ryo.

Antonym Pairing

Learn 'shōryō' and 'tairyō' together as a pair. They are the 'small' and 'large' of the measurement world.

Polite Declining

If someone offers you too much food, say '少量で結構です' (A small amount is fine).

Product Labels

Check the back of medicine or cosmetic bottles in Japan; you will almost certainly see '少量'.

Small Quantity

Associate the 'Sho' with 'Short' (small) to remember it means a small amount.

Minimalism

Think of the word as reflecting the Japanese aesthetic of 'just enough'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'SHO' (short) and 'RYO' (radio). A 'short radio' only has a 'small quantity' of buttons.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a tiny eyedropper releasing a single drop into a massive ocean. That single drop is the 'shōryō'.

Word Web

Quantity Small Formal Recipe Medicine Technical Noun Measurement

Herausforderung

Try to find three items in your kitchen that have '少量' written on the back of the packaging.

Wortherkunft

Derived from Middle Chinese (Sino-Japanese vocabulary). The character '少' (shǎo in Chinese) represents 'small' or 'few', and '量' (liáng in Chinese) represents 'measure' or 'quantity'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A small measure or a small quantity.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but using 'shōryō' for people can sound dehumanizing as it treats them like a volume of liquid.

English speakers often use 'a bit' or 'a little' interchangeably, but in Japanese, using 'shōryō' instead of 'sukoshi' signals a shift to a formal or professional register.

Kaiseki Dining: Known for serving 'shōryō' of many different exquisite dishes. Japanese Skincare: Famous for 'shōryō' application instructions to achieve perfect skin. Toyota Production System: Utilizes 'shōryō' batches to reduce inventory waste.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Cooking

少量の塩
少量の油
少量ずつ加える
少量の水で溶く

Medicine

少量投与
少量の水で服用
少量の出血
少量のアルコール

Business/Manufacturing

少量生産
少量注文
少量在庫
少量多品種

Science/Lab

少量のサンプル
少量の試薬
少量のガス
少量の不純物

Daily Chores

少量のゴミ
少量の洗剤
少量の雨
少量の汚れ

Gesprächseinstiege

"料理に少量の隠し味を入れるのが好きですか？ (Do you like adding a small secret ingredient to your cooking?)"

"少量の在庫しかない場合、すぐに買いますか？ (If there's only a small amount of stock left, do you buy it immediately?)"

"お酒は少量なら体にいいと思いますか？ (Do you think alcohol is good for you in small quantities?)"

"少量の雨でも傘をさしますか？ (Do you use an umbrella even in a small amount of rain?)"

"毎日少量の運動を続けていますか？ (Do you keep up a small amount of exercise every day?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、少量の幸せを感じた瞬間は何でしたか？ (What was a moment today where you felt a small amount of happiness?)

少量の資源を大切に使うために、何ができますか？ (What can you do to use a small amount of resources carefully?)

あなたが少量生産したいものがあれば教えてください。 (Tell me if there is something you would like to produce in small quantities.)

少量のミスが大きな問題になった経験はありますか？ (Have you ever had an experience where a small mistake became a big problem?)

少量の言葉で感謝を伝えるとしたら、誰に何を言いますか？ (If you were to convey gratitude in a small number of words, to whom and what would you say?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'shōryō' is specifically for volume or mass. For people, use 'shōsū' (少数).

It's rare. In casual talk, 'sukoshi' or 'chotto' is much more natural. 'Shōryō' sounds very stiff.

'Shōshō' is a polite adverb/noun often used in requests ('Wait a moment'). 'Shōryō' is a technical noun for volume.

It is possible, but 'shōgaku' (少額) is the specific and more common term for 'small amount of money'.

As a noun modifying another noun, yes (少量の水). If it's the object of a verb, it uses 'o' (少量を入れる).

Yes, it is often associated with N3 or N2 levels, though the concepts are simple enough for A1/A2 learners to recognize.

The most common opposite is 'tairyō' (大量 - large quantity).

No, for time, use 'tanshikan' (短時間) or 'sukoshi no aida'.

It is written as 少量. '少' (small) and '量' (quantity).

It means 'a pinch of salt' or 'salt to taste' (but usually a very small amount).

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