Meaning
To consume only a small quantity of food.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Mottainai' (regret over waste) makes leaving food difficult. Using 'amari tabenai' helps mitigate the guilt by framing it as a personal habit rather than a rejection of the food. In business settings, finishing everything on your plate is a sign of vigor and health. If you can't, 'amari tabenai' is a necessary professional disclaimer. Osechi-ryori (New Year's food) is meant to be shared. If you don't eat much of a specific symbolic dish, you might use this phrase to avoid bad luck associations. Gendered expectations: Historically, women were expected to be 'shoushoku' (light eaters). While this is outdated, the phrase is still used frequently by women in social settings.
The 'N Desu' Trick
Always add 'n desu' (Amari tabenai n desu) when you are explaining yourself. it sounds much more natural and softer.
Don't say 'Amari' alone
If someone asks if you want more, don't just say 'Amari.' You must finish the sentence or say 'Mou kekkou desu' (I'm fine already).
Meaning
To consume only a small quantity of food.
The 'N Desu' Trick
Always add 'n desu' (Amari tabenai n desu) when you are explaining yourself. it sounds much more natural and softer.
Don't say 'Amari' alone
If someone asks if you want more, don't just say 'Amari.' You must finish the sentence or say 'Mou kekkou desu' (I'm fine already).
Use with other verbs
This pattern works for everything! 'Amari nomanai' (don't drink much), 'Amari minai' (don't watch much).
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: '{私|わたし}は{納豆|なっとう}を___{食|た}べません。'
I don't eat natto much.
'Amari' is the only option here that correctly pairs with the negative verb 'tabemasen' to mean 'not much.'
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb {食|た}べる.
{昨日|きのう}は{忙|いそが}しくて、あまり___。
The sentence starts with 'Yesterday' (Kinou), so you need the past negative form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: もっと{食|た}べませんか？ B: すみません、___。
B is declining more food politely by explaining they don't eat much.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a buffet and your friend asks why your plate is almost empty.
This is the most natural way to explain a small portion in a casual setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Degree of Eating
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI don't eat natto much.
'Amari' is the only option here that correctly pairs with the negative verb 'tabemasen' to mean 'not much.'
{昨日|きのう}は{忙|いそが}しくて、あまり___。
The sentence starts with 'Yesterday' (Kinou), so you need the past negative form.
A: もっと{食|た}べませんか？ B: すみません、___。
B is declining more food politely by explaining they don't eat much.
You are at a buffet and your friend asks why your plate is almost empty.
This is the most natural way to explain a small portion in a casual setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 'Amari oishikunai' means 'not very delicious.' The rule is the same: it must be negative.
Not rude, just casual. Use 'amari' in business and 'anmari' with friends.
'Chotto' means 'a little.' 'Amari' means 'not much.' They are often used together: 'Chotto amari tabenai n desu.'
Absolutely. It's the perfect way to explain why you're skipping dessert.
In very formal or literary Japanese, 'amari no [noun]' can mean 'due to excessive [noun],' but for A1-B2 levels, stick to the negative rule.
Yes, it provides the necessary context so the host doesn't think the food was bad.
Use 'Amari tabenaku narimashita.'
Use 'Tabesugiru' or 'Takusan taberu.' Do not use 'amari.'
Yes, especially by shy characters or 'cool' characters who don't show much interest in food.
Yes, it's a polite way to say you don't like something. 'Natto wa amari...' (I don't really [eat] natto).
Related Phrases
全然食べない
contrastTo not eat at all.
小食
synonymSmall appetite / light eater.
少なめに食べる
similarTo eat a small amount (intentionally).
食わず嫌い
specialized formDisliking something without trying it.
