In 15 Seconds
- Used for short notes, brief texts, or quick journaling.
- Combines 'sukoshi' (a little) with 'kaku' (to write).
- Sounds humble and keeps expectations low and polite.
Meaning
It means to write just a small amount, like jotting down a quick note, a short message, or a brief entry in a journal.
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving a note for a roommate
テーブルの上に少し書きました。
I wrote a little something on the table.
In a business meeting
メモを少し書きますね。
I'll just jot down a few notes, okay?
Texting a friend about a busy day
日記を少し書いて寝るよ。
I'll write a bit in my diary and then go to bed.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Enryo' (restraint) makes '{少|すこ}し{書|か}く' a polite way to communicate without being overbearing. On LINE (the most popular messaging app), stickers often replace the need to '{少|すこ}し{書|か}く', but the phrase is still used to introduce a text. In business, brevity is valued. A 'short' email is often more appreciated than a long one, provided it is polite. Students are taught to 'jot down' ({少|すこ}し{書|か}き{留|と}める) key points during lectures rather than transcribing everything.
Soften your requests
Add '{少|すこ}し' before asking someone to write something to make it sound like a smaller favor.
Size vs Amount
Remember: '{少|すこ}し' is for quantity, '{小|ちい}さく' is for physical size.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for short notes, brief texts, or quick journaling.
- Combines 'sukoshi' (a little) with 'kaku' (to write).
- Sounds humble and keeps expectations low and polite.
What It Means
Think of 少し書く as the "lite" version of writing. You aren't penning a masterpiece or a long essay. You are just putting a few words on paper or a screen. It is the linguistic equivalent of a quick snack. It feels light, easy, and totally stress-free. It is about the act of writing without the pressure of being perfect. Use it when the volume of words is small but the intent is clear.
How To Use It
You just take 少し (sukoshi) and pair it with 書く (kaku). It is like building with simple blocks. If you want to be polite, change it to 少し書きます (sukoshi kakimasu). You do not need any fancy particles between them. It is an adverb-verb combo that works in almost any sentence. You can use it for physical writing with a pen. You can also use it for typing on your phone or computer. It is very versatile.
When To Use It
Use it when you are jotting down a phone number. Use it when you are writing a quick "thank you" note. It is perfect for those "I will text you later" moments. If you are in a meeting and taking brief notes, this is your phrase. It is for the small, everyday things. Use it when you want to sound low-maintenance. It is great for keeping expectations low while being productive.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for your 50-page university thesis. If you are writing a whole book, 少し sounds a bit silly. Also, avoid it when the writing is very formal or legal. You would not "a little write" a marriage contract or a deed. That requires a bit more commitment and serious vocabulary! If you are writing a long, emotional love letter, this might sound too casual.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture loves the "just a little" vibe. It is part of being humble and not making a big deal. By saying you will write "a little," you are being modest. It is a polite way to stay low-key and not brag. Even if you actually write a whole page, saying "a little" is polite. It shows you do not want to burden the other person. It is all about that subtle, soft communication style.
Common Variations
You might hear ちょっと書く (chotto kaku) which is even more casual. If you are being very fancy, you might say 少々書きます (shoushou kakimasu). There is also 一筆書く (ippitsu kaku) for writing a quick, elegant formal note. Each one has a slightly different flavor of "brief." If you are typing, some people might say 少し打つ (sukoshi utsu), but kaku is still very common. Stick with kaku for the most natural feel.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for A2 learners. Use 'kakimasu' for anyone who isn't a close friend to maintain a polite social distance.
Soften your requests
Add '{少|すこ}し' before asking someone to write something to make it sound like a smaller favor.
Size vs Amount
Remember: '{少|すこ}し' is for quantity, '{小|ちい}さく' is for physical size.
Use with 'te-oku'
Combine it as '{少|すこ}し{書|か}いておく' to mean 'I'll jot it down for later'.
Brevity is King
In Japan, being able to summarize things briefly is a highly valued skill.
Examples
6テーブルの上に少し書きました。
I wrote a little something on the table.
Using the polite form 'kakimasu' makes it friendly but respectful.
メモを少し書きますね。
I'll just jot down a few notes, okay?
Adding 'ne' at the end makes it sound collaborative and soft.
日記を少し書いて寝るよ。
I'll write a bit in my diary and then go to bed.
The 'yo' ending adds a casual, informative tone.
手紙を少し書いたんだけど、読んでくれる？
I wrote a little letter; would you mind reading it?
Even if the letter is long, 'sukoshi' acts as a humble softener.
買うものを少し書くつもりが、長くなった！
I meant to write a little shopping list, but it got long!
Uses 'tsumori' to show the original intention of writing just a bit.
ここに名前を少し書いてください。
Please write your name here briefly.
Using 'kudasai' makes it a polite request for a small action.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '{書|か}く'.
{後|あと}でメッセージを{少|すこ}し____ね。
The sentence ends with 'ne', which is casual, so the dictionary form '{書|か}く' is most natural.
Which sentence means 'I wrote a few kanji'?
Choose the correct sentence:
'{少|すこ}し' means a small amount, and '{書|か}く' is for writing text.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are leaving a quick note for your roommate.
A quick note for a roommate is the perfect context for 'memo o sukoshi kaku'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {日本|にほん}{語|ご}が{上手|じょうず}ですね！ B: いいえ、まだ____。
The potential form '{書|か}けます' is used to describe ability.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sukoshi vs Chiisaku
Practice Bank
4 exercises{後|あと}でメッセージを{少|すこ}し____ね。
The sentence ends with 'ne', which is casual, so the dictionary form '{書|か}く' is most natural.
Choose the correct sentence:
'{少|すこ}し' means a small amount, and '{書|か}く' is for writing text.
Situation: You are leaving a quick note for your roommate.
A quick note for a roommate is the perfect context for 'memo o sukoshi kaku'.
A: {日本|にほん}{語|ご}が{上手|じょうず}ですね！ B: いいえ、まだ____。
The potential form '{書|か}けます' is used to describe ability.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you mean you are writing a tiny portion of it. For the whole act, just use '{本|ほん}を{書|か}く'.
'Sukoshi' is slightly more formal/polite. 'Chotto' is very casual and common in speech.
Yes, it's very common to say you've written a brief summary or update.
No, that would be '{ゆっくり}{書|か}く'.
No, '{少|すこ}し' acts as an adverb and doesn't need the particle 'o'.
Use the potential form: '{少|すこ}し{書|か}けます'.
No, use '{描|か}く' for drawing.
'{少々|しょうしょう}{認|したた}める' or '{簡潔|かんけつ}に{記|しる}す'.
Yes, it's perfect for saying 'I'll send a quick text'.
No, it's a perfectly natural phrase used by adults every day.
Related Phrases
ちょっと{書|か}く
synonymTo write a bit (more casual)
メモする
similarTo take a memo
{一筆|いっぴつ}{書|か}く
specialized formTo write a quick line/note
{書|か}き{留|と}める
builds onTo jot down/record
{書|か}き{直|なお}す
similarTo rewrite
{少|すこ}しずつ{書|か}く
similarTo write little by little
