A2 Collocation Neutral 12 min read

少し勉強する

sukoshi benkyou suru

a little study

Literally: a little study

In 15 Seconds

  • Study a little bit.
  • Short, casual study session.
  • Not intense or long.
  • Good for daily review.

Meaning

This phrase is your go-to for saying you'll do a little bit of studying. It's not about cramming for a big exam, but more like dipping your toes into a textbook or reviewing some notes. Think of it as a gentle commitment to learning, perfect for when you want to be productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about evening plans

今晩は少し勉強するつもりだよ。

I plan to study a little tonight.

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2

At a café, deciding what to do

コーヒーを飲みながら、少し勉強しようかな。

Maybe I'll study a little while I drink my coffee.

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3

Talking to family about your schedule

明日は少し勉強する時間があると思います。

I think I'll have a little time to study tomorrow.

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🌍

Cultural Background

The concept of 'Keizoku wa chikara nari' (Continuity is power) is deeply ingrained. Studying a little every day is seen as superior to cramming. Humility (Kenjou) is key. Even experts might say they only study 'a little' to avoid appearing overconfident. Study cafes and 'Studygrams' are popular. People share their 'small study' sessions to build community and accountability. Education is highly valued, but so is balance. 'Sukoshi benkyou' represents a healthy balance between work/school and life.

🎯

The 5-Minute Rule

If you don't feel like studying, tell yourself you will only '{少|すこ}し{勉強|べんきょう}する' for 5 minutes. Usually, once you start, you'll keep going!

💬

Humble Bragging

If you've actually studied for 3 hours, still say you studied '{少|すこ}し' to sound modest in Japanese.

In 15 Seconds

  • Study a little bit.
  • Short, casual study session.
  • Not intense or long.
  • Good for daily review.

What It Means

This is your friendly nudge to the books. It means you're planning to study, but just for a short time. It's not a huge commitment. You're not going to become a scholar overnight! It's about making a small effort. Maybe you'll review flashcards. Or perhaps read a chapter. It’s a relaxed approach to learning. It feels manageable and not stressful. It’s like saying, "I'll do a bit of homework." It’s perfect for a quick refresh. Or for getting started on a new topic. It carries a light, positive vibe. You're doing something good for yourself. Without the pressure of intense study. It’s a little bit of self-improvement. Done in small, easy steps. Think of it as a study snack. Not a full academic meal. It’s very approachable. And super common in daily conversation. It’s the opposite of "all-nighter." It’s definitely not about suffering through hours of work. It’s more about consistent, small actions. Building knowledge bit by bit. It's a phrase that acknowledges effort. Without exaggerating the intensity. It’s like saying "I'll do a little bit of tidying up." You won't clean the whole house. Just a small area. It’s about intention and a modest scope. It implies you’ll focus for a short while. And then you’ll likely stop. It’s a flexible phrase. You can use it for anything. From language learning to hobbies. It’s a versatile little gem. It makes studying sound less daunting. And more like a casual activity. So, when you want to study a bit, this is your phrase!

How To Use It

Use 少し勉強する when you plan to study for a limited time. It fits when you want to review material. Or get a head start on something. It’s also great for a quick practice session. Think about your daily routine. Are you trying to learn Japanese? Maybe you’ll 少し勉強する before bed. Or perhaps you’re learning guitar. You might 少し勉強する after dinner. It’s a very flexible phrase. You can put it in many sentences. For example, "I will study a little." Or "Let's study a bit." It’s about setting realistic goals. And not overcommitting yourself. It’s good for motivation. It sounds less intimidating. Than saying "I have to study for hours." You can use it when talking to friends. Or when making plans. It’s a natural way to express your intentions. It implies a short duration. And a focused effort. It’s not about deep, intensive learning. It’s more about consistent, light engagement. It’s like adding a small amount of spice. To your daily life. It makes things more interesting. Without being overwhelming. It’s a phrase that empowers you. To take small steps towards your goals. It’s a gentle reminder. That progress can be made. Even with little effort. It’s a positive affirmation. Of your learning journey. It’s a commitment, but a small one.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you're a student. You have a big test next week. You don't want to cram. So, you decide to 少し勉強する each night. This helps you stay on track. Without burning out. Or maybe you're on vacation. You want to learn some basic phrases. You might 少し勉強する before going out. To order food or ask for directions. It’s about practical application. And making the most of your time. Even in short bursts. It’s also common in online learning. A language app might prompt you. "Do you have time to 少し勉強する today?" It’s a way to encourage engagement. And build consistent habits. It’s like a mini-workout for your brain. You feel good afterwards. And you're making progress. Even if it's just a little. It's a phrase that celebrates small wins. And encourages continuous learning. It’s very relatable. And easy to incorporate. Into your daily conversations. It’s a phrase that embodies balance. Between rest and effort. It’s a smart way to study. It’s about quality over quantity. Even if the quantity is small. It’s about being mindful. Of your energy levels. And your learning goals. It’s a sustainable approach. To personal growth. It’s a phrase that resonates. With busy people everywhere. Who want to learn and grow. But don’t have hours to spare. It’s a testament to efficiency. And smart learning strategies.

When To Use It

Use 少し勉強する when you want to signal. That your study session will be brief. It's perfect for casual conversations. With friends or family. You might say, "I'm going to 少し勉強する before dinner." It's also great for setting expectations. If someone asks about your study plans. You can say, "I'll 少し勉強する tonight." This tells them you're being productive. But not overdoing it. It's ideal for daily review. Or for practicing a new skill. For example, learning a musical instrument. Or practicing a new language. It’s also useful when you’re tired. But still want to make some progress. It shows dedication. Without demanding too much energy. It’s a balanced approach. To learning and self-improvement. It’s a phrase that fits many contexts. As long as the study time is short. It’s your go-to phrase. For light study sessions. It’s a phrase that promotes consistency. And discourages procrastination. It’s a positive way to frame. Your learning efforts. It’s about making progress. Even when you have limited time. It’s a phrase that encourages action. And celebrates small achievements. It’s a realistic way to study. It acknowledges your limitations. While still pushing you forward. It’s a phrase that fosters a healthy mindset. Towards learning and personal development. It’s a phrase that speaks to efficiency. And smart time management. It’s a phrase that empowers you. To take control of your learning. Even with a busy schedule.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use 少し勉強する if you're planning an all-day study marathon. If you're preparing for a major exam. And need to put in serious hours. This phrase would be misleading. It's also not appropriate. If you're talking to a professor. About your thesis research. They'd expect a more serious commitment. Avoid it for intense, academic work. Or when you need to convey deep concentration. It's not meant for showing off your dedication. To a difficult subject. If you're aiming for mastery. In a short period, this isn't the phrase. It implies a casual, light effort. So, if your effort is anything but casual, choose another phrase. Think of it like this: you wouldn't say "I'll 少し勉強する for my PhD defense." That just sounds silly! It's for light, occasional study. Not for your life's work. It's also not for when you're forced to study. And actually dreading it. The phrase has a positive connotation. It suggests willingness. So, if you're feeling forced, maybe avoid it. It's for when you *choose* to study a bit. Not when you *have* to study a lot. It’s important to match the phrase. To the actual effort involved. Misusing it can make you sound. Like you're not taking things seriously. Or that you're underestimating the task. It’s better to be honest. About the scope of your study. This phrase is for the lightweights. The casual learners. The "just checking in" students. Not for the heavy lifters. Or the academic gladiators. So, be mindful of the context. And the intensity of your study.

Common Mistakes

Using 勉強する alone can sometimes sound too general. Or even too strong. Depending on the context. It might imply a more serious study session. Than you intend. Another mistake is using words that don't fit. Like 少し遊ぶ (study and play). That doesn't make sense! Or 少し食べる (study and eat). Unless you're studying *about* food. The key is the verb 勉強する. It specifically means 'to study'. So, don't replace it with unrelated verbs. Also, avoid adding too many adverbs. That might change the meaning. Or make the sentence awkward. For instance, saying "I will study a little bit much." That's confusing! The 少し (a little) is perfect. It modifies 勉強する nicely. It's already a concise phrase. Don't overcomplicate it. The most common error is probably. Using it when you mean something else. Like "I'll do a little work." 仕事をする is 'to work'. 勉強する is 'to study'. They're different! So, always ensure 勉強する is the right verb. It’s like confusing "read" with "watch." You wouldn't say "I'll 少し読む a movie." Right? It’s the same principle. Stick to the meaning of study. And use 少し to indicate the small amount. It’s a simple combination. That works very well. Just remember the core meaning. And the intended duration.

Similar Expressions

There are other ways to talk about studying. ちょっと勉強する (chotto benkyou suru) is very similar. ちょっと is almost interchangeable with 少し here. It also means "a little." It has a slightly more casual feel. 勉強する (benkyou suru) by itself. Means "to study." It doesn't specify the amount. So, it can be short or long. 一生懸命勉強する (isshoukenmei benkyou suru) means "to study hard." This is the opposite! It implies intense effort. 少しずつ勉強する (sukoshi zutsu benkyou suru) means "to study little by little." This emphasizes gradual progress. Over time. It's about consistency. But not necessarily short sessions. 学ぶ (manabu) is another verb for 'to learn' or 'to study'. It often implies deeper learning. Or acquiring knowledge. It's a bit more formal than 勉強する. So, 少し学ぶ is less common. And sounds a bit more academic. 少し勉強する is the most natural. For casual, short study periods. It’s the friendly option. The easy-going choice. It’s the one you’ll hear most often. For light study sessions. It strikes a perfect balance. Between effort and ease.

Common Variations

Sometimes, people might say ちょっと勉強しようかな (chotto benkyou shiyou kana). This adds ~しようかな (shiyou kana). It means "I'm thinking of doing..." or "Maybe I'll...". It makes the intention softer. More like a casual thought. It’s very common in spoken Japanese. Another variation is 少し勉強しておく (sukoshi benkyou shite oku). The ~ておく (te oku) part. Means to do something in advance. Or to prepare for a future event. So, 少し勉強しておく means "I'll study a little in advance." It implies preparation. For something later. Like a test or a meeting. You might also hear 少し勉強したい (sukoshi benkyou shitai). This uses the ~たい (tai) form. Which means "want to do." So, 少し勉強したい means "I want to study a little." It expresses a desire. For a short study session. These variations add nuance. They change the feeling slightly. But the core idea of "a little study" remains. They are all natural ways. To express your intentions. Depending on the exact situation. And the subtle meaning. You want to convey. They are all useful. And worth knowing. They expand your ability. To communicate effectively. In Japanese.

Memory Trick

💡

Imagine you're a superhero named "Suko." Suko can only study for a little bit at a time. Because he gets tired very easily! So, whenever he studies, he always says, "I'm going to 少し勉強する!" The 少し (suko) sounds like his name! And he always does just a *little* bit. It’s a funny image, right? A tiny superhero studying for a short burst. It helps you remember that 少し means "a little." And 勉強する means "to study." So, Suko the superhero studies a little. 少し勉強する. It’s a memorable character. For a common phrase. Think of Suko’s tiny cape. And his even tinier textbook. He’s not saving the world with this study session. He’s just doing a little bit. For his own good. It’s a visual cue. That sticks in your mind. It connects the sound suko to the meaning a little. And the action study. It’s silly, but effective! Like a catchy jingle. For your brain. So next time you need to study a bit. Just picture Suko. And his little study session. You'll remember 少し勉強する instantly!

Quick FAQ

Q. Is 少し勉強する formal or informal?

A. It's generally neutral to informal. You can use it with friends. Or in casual conversations. It's not typically used in very formal settings. Like academic presentations. Or official speeches. But it's polite enough for most everyday interactions.

Q. Can I use ちょっと instead of 少し?

A. Yes, absolutely! ちょっと勉強する is very common too. ちょっと is often considered slightly more casual than 少し. But they are largely interchangeable here. Both mean "a little study."

Q. Does it mean I will fail if I only study a little?

A. Not at all! It just means you're studying for a short period. It's about making consistent, small efforts. It's a realistic approach. Especially for busy people. It doesn't imply failure. Just a limited time commitment.

Q. Can I use this for studying for a job interview?

A. You could, but it might sound a bit too casual. For something important like a job interview, you might prefer to say you'll "prepare" or "study hard." 少し勉強する implies a very light review. Not intensive preparation. It's better suited for everyday learning.

Usage Notes

This phrase is generally neutral in formality, making it suitable for most everyday conversations. Avoid using it in highly formal academic or business contexts where a more serious tone is required. It's best used when referring to short, casual study sessions, not intensive preparation.

🎯

The 5-Minute Rule

If you don't feel like studying, tell yourself you will only '{少|すこ}し{勉強|べんきょう}する' for 5 minutes. Usually, once you start, you'll keep going!

💬

Humble Bragging

If you've actually studied for 3 hours, still say you studied '{少|すこ}し' to sound modest in Japanese.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about evening plans
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今晩は少し勉強するつもりだよ。

I plan to study a little tonight.

This is a casual way to tell a friend you'll be doing a bit of studying.

#2 At a café, deciding what to do
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

コーヒーを飲みながら、少し勉強しようかな。

Maybe I'll study a little while I drink my coffee.

Expresses a light intention to study during a relaxed activity.

#3 Talking to family about your schedule
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明日は少し勉強する時間があると思います。

I think I'll have a little time to study tomorrow.

A straightforward statement about having a small window for studying.

#4 Instagram caption for a studygram post
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今日の目標は、寝る前に少し勉強すること!✨ #勉強垢

Today's goal is to study a little before bed! ✨ #Studygram

Commonly used in study-related social media posts to indicate a brief study session.

#5 Responding to a language partner's message
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うん、私も今日少し勉強するよ。頑張ろう!

Yeah, I'll study a little today too. Let's do our best!

Encouraging and relatable response in a language learning context.

#6 Preparing for a casual work meeting
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会議の前に、関連資料を少し勉強しておきます。

Before the meeting, I'll study the related materials a little.

Indicates a brief review of materials, not an in-depth preparation.

#7 Explaining study habits to a mentor
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毎日少し勉強するように心がけています。

I try to study a little every day.

Shows a commitment to consistent, manageable study habits.

Mistake: Overstating study effort Common Mistake
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✗ 今から少し勉強します。→ ✓ 今から集中して勉強します。

✗ I will study a little from now. → ✓ I will concentrate and study from now.

Using '少し勉強する' when intense focus is needed sounds like you're not taking it seriously.

Mistake: Using the wrong verb Common Mistake
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✗ 宿題を少し勉強しました。→ ✓ 宿題を少しやりました。

✗ I studied homework a little. → ✓ I did homework a little.

'勉強する' is specifically for academic study, not general tasks like homework.

#10 Humorous take on procrastination
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やる気が出ないから、とりあえず少し勉強するふりをする。

I don't feel motivated, so for now, I'll pretend to study a little.

A lighthearted admission of procrastination, using the phrase humorously.

#11 Expressing a desire for quiet study time
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疲れているけど、静かなカフェで少し勉強したいな。

I'm tired, but I want to study a little at a quiet cafe.

Expresses a gentle desire for a short, focused study period.

#12 Planning a study session with a friend
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じゃあ、図書館で1時間だけ少し勉強しようか。

Okay, shall we study a little at the library for just one hour?

Suggests a specific, limited duration for a joint study session.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct adverb to mean 'a little.'

{寝|ね}る{前|まえ}に(  ){勉強|べんきょう}します。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {少|すこ}し

'Sukoshi' is the correct adverb for 'a little.'

Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'll study a bit and then go'?

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {少|すこ}し{勉強|べんきょう}して{行|い}きます。

The te-form 'shite' is used to connect two actions in sequence.

Complete the dialogue with a humble response.

A: {日本語|にほんご}が{上手|じょうず}ですね! B: {いいえ|No}、まだ(  )。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {毎日|まいにち}{少|すこ}しずつ{勉強|べんきょう}しているだけです

This is a culturally appropriate, humble response to a compliment.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb to mean 'a little.' Fill Blank A1

{寝|ね}る{前|まえ}に(  ){勉強|べんきょう}します。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {少|すこ}し

'Sukoshi' is the correct adverb for 'a little.'

Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'll study a bit and then go'? Choose A2

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {少|すこ}し{勉強|べんきょう}して{行|い}きます。

The te-form 'shite' is used to connect two actions in sequence.

Complete the dialogue with a humble response. dialogue_completion B1

A: {日本語|にほんご}が{上手|じょうず}ですね! B: {いいえ|No}、まだ(  )。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {毎日|まいにち}{少|すこ}しずつ{勉強|べんきょう}しているだけです

This is a culturally appropriate, humble response to a compliment.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

'Sukoshi' is better for writing and polite speech. 'Chotto' is better for talking with friends.

No, for sports you would use '{練習|れんしゅう}する' (practice). '{勉強|べんきょう}' is for academic or mental learning.

Use '{少|すこ}ししか{勉強|べんきょう}しませんでした.'

Related Phrases

🔗

{少|すこ}しずつ{勉強|べんきょう}する

builds on

To study little by little.

🔗

{猛|もう}{勉強|べんきょう}する

contrast

To study very hard/intensely.

🔗

{復習|ふくしゅう}する

specialized form

To review.

🔗

{自習|じしゅう}する

similar

To self-study.

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