Meaning
To consume only a small quantity of liquid.
Cultural Background
In the past, refusing a drink from a boss was taboo. Today, 'amari nomanai' is a respected way to set boundaries without losing face. The 'Sober Curious' movement is growing in Japan. Young people use this phrase to proudly state their lifestyle choice. Japanese people are very conscious of 'metabo' (metabolic syndrome). This phrase is often used when discussing diet and health. Even if you don't drink, it's common to let someone pour you a tiny bit for the first 'Kanpai' (toast), then use 'amari nomanai' to explain why you aren't finishing it.
The 'Amari' Rule
Always look for the negative verb ending when you see 'amari' at the start of a sentence.
Don't be too blunt
Saying 'nomimasen' alone can sound a bit cold. Adding 'amari' makes you sound much friendlier.
Meaning
To consume only a small quantity of liquid.
The 'Amari' Rule
Always look for the negative verb ending when you see 'amari' at the start of a sentence.
Don't be too blunt
Saying 'nomimasen' alone can sound a bit cold. Adding 'amari' makes you sound much friendlier.
The explanatory 'n desu'
Use 'amari nomanai n desu' to sound like a native speaker giving a polite reason.
Reading the Air
If someone keeps offering, repeat 'amari...' while gesturing slightly. They will get the hint.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb to say 'I don't drink much.'
お{酒|さけ}は（ ）{飲|の}みません。
'Amari' is the only adverb here that correctly pairs with a negative verb to mean 'not much.'
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Amari' requires a negative verb ending like 'nomimasen.'
Complete the dialogue politely.
A: ビール、もう{一杯|いっぱい}いかがですか？ B: すみません、（ ）。
This is the most natural and polite way to decline a refill.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell a doctor you rarely drink soda.
'Amari nomimasen' correctly describes a low-frequency habit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Drinking Frequency Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesお{酒|さけ}は（ ）{飲|の}みません。
'Amari' is the only adverb here that correctly pairs with a negative verb to mean 'not much.'
Choose the correct sentence:
'Amari' requires a negative verb ending like 'nomimasen.'
A: ビール、もう{一杯|いっぱい}いかがですか？ B: すみません、（ ）。
This is the most natural and polite way to decline a refill.
You want to tell a doctor you rarely drink soda.
'Amari nomimasen' correctly describes a low-frequency habit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn modern Japanese, 'amari' is almost exclusively used with negative verbs to mean 'not much.' In positive sentences, it means 'excessively' and is usually followed by 'ni.'
Use 'amari nomimasen' or 'amari nomanai n desu' to be safe. 'Nomanai' alone is only for friends.
No, it can apply to any liquid—water, coffee, juice, etc. However, in a bar or party, alcohol is the default assumption.
'Anmari' is just a more casual, spoken version of 'amari.' Use 'amari' in writing and formal speech.
No, that sounds very unnatural. Use 'takusan nomu' or 'yoku nomu' instead.
Use 'zenzen nomimasen.'
Yes, but you might want to be more specific: 'Ima wa osake wo hikaete imasu' (I'm refraining from alcohol right now).
It's a 'hedging' word that avoids directness, which is highly valued in Japanese communication to maintain harmony.
Yes! 'Amari atsukunai' (not very hot) follows the same logic.
Say 'amari nomanaku narimashita.'
Related Phrases
全然{飲|の}まない
contrastTo not drink at all.
あまり{食|た}べない
similarTo not eat much.
お{酒|さけ}に{弱|よわ}い
similarTo be weak with alcohol.
ちょっとだけ{飲|の}む
similarTo drink just a little.
