In 15 Seconds
- Used with negative verbs to mean 'not much' or 'rarely'.
- Essential for politely declining alcohol at social or work events.
- Softer and more natural than saying 'I never drink'.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe a habit of not drinking very much or very often. It’s the perfect, polite way to tell someone you aren't a heavy drinker.
Key Examples
3 of 6Declining a drink at a company party
お酒はあまり飲みません。
I don't drink much alcohol.
Texting a friend about plans
今日はあまり飲まないつもり。
I don't intend to drink much today.
Talking to a doctor about habits
健康のために、あまり飲まないようにしています。
For my health, I try not to drink much.
Cultural Background
In Japanese social life, the 'Nomikai' (drinking party) is a key bonding ritual. Using 'amari' allows you to participate in the atmosphere without the pressure of heavy drinking. It aligns with the Japanese cultural preference for 'Enryo' (restraint) and modesty.
The 'Trailing Off' Trick
If you want to sound very Japanese, just say 'Osake wa amari...' and tilt your head slightly. Everyone will understand you don't want to drink without you having to say the negative verb!
Positive vs. Negative
Be careful! `amari` + positive verb (like `amari nomu`) can mean 'to drink excessively' in literary contexts. Always stick to the negative form for 'not much'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used with negative verbs to mean 'not much' or 'rarely'.
- Essential for politely declining alcohol at social or work events.
- Softer and more natural than saying 'I never drink'.
What It Means
This phrase is your secret weapon for social boundaries. In Japanese, amari acts as a softener. When you pair it with the negative form of 'to drink,' it means 'not much.' It’s not a hard 'no' like 'I never drink.' Instead, it suggests you might have a sip, but you aren't looking to get wild. It’s a very common way to describe your lifestyle or current mood. It helps you stay polite while declining that third round of beers.
How To Use It
To make this work, you need to change the verb. You can't just say amari nomu to mean 'not much.' You must use the negative form: amari nomimasen (polite) or amari nomanai (casual). Think of amari as a magnet that always pulls the verb into a negative state. If you use it with a positive verb, it actually changes meaning to 'too much,' which might get you more drinks than you wanted! Always keep it negative to keep it 'not much.'
When To Use It
Use this at an Izakaya (Japanese pub) when the waiter asks for your order. It’s also great for small talk with new colleagues. If someone asks, 'Do you like sake?' this is a safe, neutral answer. You can also use it when texting a friend to explain why you’re heading home early. It’s a gentle way to set expectations without being a party pooper. It works perfectly in professional settings where you want to remain sober.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are a total teetotaler. If you never touch a drop of alcohol, use zenzen nomimasen instead. Amari implies there is a small amount of drinking happening. Also, avoid using it for things like water or medicine unless the context is very specific. It almost always refers to alcohol in a social setting. If you say it while drinking a milkshake, people might give you a funny look!
Cultural Background
Japan has a legendary drinking culture called 'Nomikai.' These are work parties where the beer flows freely. However, not everyone can handle their liquor! In Japan, it is perfectly okay to say you are 'weak' to alcohol. Using amari nomimasen is a socially graceful way to participate without overdoing it. It shows you are health-conscious and self-aware. It’s much more common than a blunt 'I don't drink.'
Common Variations
The most common version is amari nomimasen. If you are with close friends, you’ll hear amari nomanai. If you want to be extra clear about alcohol, you say osake wa amari... and trail off. Japanese people often leave sentences unfinished to be polite. Another variation is amari tsuyokunai, which means 'I am not strong (with alcohol).' You might also hear amari nometai, meaning 'I can't drink much.'
Usage Notes
Always pair with a negative verb form. In social settings, 'osake' (alcohol) is the implied object unless otherwise specified.
The 'Trailing Off' Trick
If you want to sound very Japanese, just say 'Osake wa amari...' and tilt your head slightly. Everyone will understand you don't want to drink without you having to say the negative verb!
Positive vs. Negative
Be careful! `amari` + positive verb (like `amari nomu`) can mean 'to drink excessively' in literary contexts. Always stick to the negative form for 'not much'.
The 'Geko' Label
People who can't drink alcohol at all are called 'Geko'. If you say `amari nomimasen`, people might ask if you are a 'Geko'. It's a funny, slightly old-fashioned term!
Examples
6お酒はあまり飲みません。
I don't drink much alcohol.
The most standard, polite way to set a boundary at work.
今日はあまり飲まないつもり。
I don't intend to drink much today.
Uses the casual form 'nomanai' for a friend.
健康のために、あまり飲まないようにしています。
For my health, I try not to drink much.
A common phrase for lifestyle discussions.
あまり飲まないって言ったのに、もう三杯目だ！
I said I don't drink much, but this is already my third glass!
Self-deprecating humor about failing one's own rule.
最近はあまり飲まなくなりました。
Lately, I've stopped drinking much.
Shows a change in habit over time.
あまり飲まないので、お茶をください。
I don't drink much, so please give me tea.
Explains the choice of a non-alcoholic beverage.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct ending to say 'I don't drink much.'
私はあまり___。
`amari` must be followed by a negative verb form to mean 'not much'.
Complete the casual sentence for a friend.
お酒？うーん、あまり___。
`nomanai` is the casual negative form of `nomu`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Not Drinking Much'
Used with close friends or family.
あまり飲まない (Amari nomanai)
Safe for most social and work situations.
あまり飲みません (Amari nomimasen)
Trailing off to be extra humble.
お酒はあまり... (Osake wa amari...)
When to say 'Amari Nomimasen'
Izakaya with Boss
Politely declining a refill.
First Date
Explaining your lifestyle.
Health Checkup
Answering the doctor.
Home Dinner
Telling family you're full.
Practice Bank
2 exercises私はあまり___。
`amari` must be followed by a negative verb form to mean 'not much'.
お酒？うーん、あまり___。
`nomanai` is the casual negative form of `nomu`.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly when paired with a negative verb. In amari nomimasen, it means 'not much.' If used with a positive verb in a specific way, it can mean 'too much,' but that is less common for beginners.
You can, but it's rare. Usually, if you say amari nomimasen without context, people assume you are talking about alcohol. For coffee, it's better to say koohii wa amari....
amari means 'not much' (maybe 10-20%), while zenzen means 'not at all' (0%). Use zenzen if you never drink.
No, it is not rude at all! In fact, it is considered honest and responsible. Just make sure to use the polite form nomimasen.
You can say amari nomanaku narimashita. This uses the 'become' verb to show a change in habit.
Yes! For example, amari atsukunai means 'not very hot.' It works the same way—it needs a negative ending.
You could say sukoshi nomimasu. Amari is specifically for the negative 'not much' side of the scale.
The word amari itself is neutral. The formality comes from the verb ending (nomimasen vs nomanai).
Anmari is just a more casual, emphatic spoken version of amari. You'll hear it often in daily conversation.
Yes, you can say Kare wa amari nomimasen (He doesn't drink much). It’s a polite way to describe someone else's habits too.
Related Phrases
全然飲まない
Don't drink at all
お酒に弱い
Weak to alcohol (low tolerance)
少し飲む
Drink a little
飲みすぎる
To drink too much
