In 15 Seconds
- Means 'not much' or 'not often' regarding food.
- Always pair 'amari' with a negative verb ending.
- Polite way to decline food or describe small appetites.
Meaning
This phrase describes eating only a small amount or not eating something very often. It's the perfect way to tell someone you aren't a big eater or don't like a specific food much.
Key Examples
3 of 6Declining a second helping of rice
Gohan wa amari tabenai n desu.
I don't really eat much rice.
Explaining a dislike for spicy food
Karai mono wa amari tabemasen.
I don't eat spicy food much.
Texting a friend about being busy
Isogashikute, saikin amari tabetenai.
I'm busy, so I haven't eaten much lately.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'modesty in consumption' is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Using 'amari' allows speakers to decline food or express preferences without being confrontational. It aligns with the cultural value of 'wa' (harmony) by softening a negative statement.
The Negative Rule
Never forget to change the verb to negative! `Amari taberu` sounds like you are a poet from the 1800s saying 'I eat excessively.' Always use `tabenai`.
The Soft Refusal
If you hate a food, don't say 'kirai' (hate). Say `amari tabenai`. It's the secret Japanese way to be polite while being honest.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'not much' or 'not often' regarding food.
- Always pair 'amari' with a negative verb ending.
- Polite way to decline food or describe small appetites.
What It Means
Think of amari taberu as your go-to phrase for 'not much.' It describes quantity or frequency. You aren't saying you eat nothing at all. You are just saying the amount is small. It’s like saying 'I’m not a big fan' or 'I’m not that hungry.' It’s a very common way to describe your habits.
How To Use It
Here is the most important rule. When you use amari to mean 'not much,' you must use a negative verb. So, amari taberu actually becomes amari tabenai or amari tabemasen. Without the negative ending, it sounds like you're saying 'eat too much' in a very formal, poetic way. Stick to the negative form for daily life. You can place it right before the verb. For example, niku o amari tabenai means 'I don't eat meat much.' It’s simple and very effective.
When To Use It
Use this when you’re at a restaurant and someone offers seconds. It’s great for explaining dietary preferences to new friends. Use it when you’re feeling a bit sick and have no appetite. You can also use it to describe your lifestyle. Maybe you’re too busy for breakfast? Just say asagohan wa amari tabenai. It sounds natural and relatable. It’s also a safe way to decline food you don't like without being rude.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you ate a massive feast. That would be confusing! Also, don't use it if you didn't eat anything at all. If you ate zero, use zenzen instead. Amari implies you ate a little bit. If you are at a very formal business dinner, use the polite version tabemasen. Using the casual tabenai might make you sound a bit too relaxed.
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a famous saying: 'hara hachibu.' This means eating until you are 80% full. Because of this, being a 'light eater' is often seen as healthy. Using amari tabenai can sometimes sound like you are being modest. It’s a very 'soft' way to speak. Japanese people often avoid direct 'no' answers. Saying 'I don't eat much' is a polite way to avoid a dish you dislike.
Common Variations
amari tabenai(Casual: I don't eat much)amari tabemasen(Polite: I don't eat much)amari taberarenai(I can't eat much)amari tabetakunai(I don't really want to eat)amari tabetenai(I haven't been eating much lately)
Usage Notes
Always ensure the verb following `amari` is in the negative form (`-nai` or `-masen`) to convey the meaning of 'not much.' Using it with a positive verb is grammatically possible but changes the meaning to 'excessively' and is much less common in A2 level speech.
The Negative Rule
Never forget to change the verb to negative! `Amari taberu` sounds like you are a poet from the 1800s saying 'I eat excessively.' Always use `tabenai`.
The Soft Refusal
If you hate a food, don't say 'kirai' (hate). Say `amari tabenai`. It's the secret Japanese way to be polite while being honest.
Hara Hachibu
Japanese people value eating until 80% full. Using this phrase suggests you are mindful of your health, which is highly respected.
Examples
6Gohan wa amari tabenai n desu.
I don't really eat much rice.
The 'n desu' adds a slight explanatory tone.
Karai mono wa amari tabemasen.
I don't eat spicy food much.
Using the polite 'tabemasen' for a general habit.
Isogashikute, saikin amari tabetenai.
I'm busy, so I haven't eaten much lately.
Casual contraction of 'tabete inai'.
Yasai wa amari tabetakunai!
I don't really want to eat vegetables!
Using 'tabetakunai' (don't want to eat) with amari.
Natsu wa atsui kara amari taberarenai.
I can't eat much because summer is so hot.
Expressing an inability to eat due to heat.
Uchi no neko, amari tabenai ne.
My cat isn't eating much, is he?
Observing a small appetite in a pet.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'I don't eat sweets much' in a polite way.
Amaimono wa amari ___.
When using 'amari' to mean 'not much,' you must use the negative form 'tabemasen'.
Choose the correct word to mean 'not much.'
___ tabenai de kudasai.
'Amari' fits here to mean 'don't eat too much' or 'don't eat much.' 'Zenzen' would mean 'don't eat at all.'
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Amari' Expressions
Used with close friends or family.
Amari tabenai.
Safe for colleagues and strangers.
Amari tabemasen.
Used in very professional settings.
Amari itadakimasen.
When to use 'Amari Tabenai'
Dieting
I'm watching my weight.
Disliking Food
I don't like natto.
Feeling Sick
I have no appetite.
Being Busy
No time for lunch.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesAmaimono wa amari ___.
When using 'amari' to mean 'not much,' you must use the negative form 'tabemasen'.
___ tabenai de kudasai.
'Amari' fits here to mean 'don't eat too much' or 'don't eat much.' 'Zenzen' would mean 'don't eat at all.'
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, yes! But it only means 'not much' when paired with a negative verb like tabenai. If used with a positive verb in a specific context, it can mean 'too much,' but that's rare in daily conversation.
Amari means 'not much' (maybe you eat 10-20%). Zenzen means 'not at all' (0%). Use zenzen if you never touch the food.
Yes, but change the verb! For drinks, say amari nomanai. It works exactly the same way for coffee, alcohol, or soda.
Not at all. In fact, it's more polite than saying 'I don't like this.' It sounds like a personal habit rather than a criticism of their cooking.
Just change the verb to the past negative: amari tabenakatta (casual) or amari tabemasen deshita (polite).
Yes! You can say amari oishikunai (not very delicious). Just remember to keep the adjective in the negative form.
Anmari is just a more casual, spoken version of amari. You'll hear it a lot in anime or with friends.
It usually goes right before the verb or the object. For example: Amari niku o tabenai or Niku o amari tabenai. Both are fine!
Amari ni mo is a much stronger version used for emphasis, often meaning 'excessively' or 'too much.' You won't use it for 'not much eat' situations.
Yes! If someone offers more food, you can say Onaka ga ippai nanode, amari taberarenai (I'm full, so I can't eat much).
Related Phrases
全然食べない
Don't eat at all
少しだけ食べる
Eat just a little bit
いっぱい食べる
Eat a lot
食欲がない
Have no appetite
