Translation and Meaning of: 僅か - wazuka

The word 「僅か」 (wazuka) is used in the Japanese language to express the idea of a very small quantity or intensity. It is often used to describe something that is nearly insignificant in of quantity, time, or intensity. This word can be applied in various contexts, highlighting the modesty or scarcity of something.

In the etymology of the word, the kanji 「僅」 is composed of two main elements: 「亻」, which is the radical for "person," and 「堇」, which itself has the idea of "a little." Together, they reinforce the idea of something that is scarcely present. The combination of these radicals symbolizes smallness on a human scale, thus applying a measure of insignificance or limitation that fits perfectly in the sense of "few" or "only."

The use of 「僅か」 is quite common in various everyday situations. For example, it can be used to refer to a small amount of an ingredient in a recipe, like a "little bit" of salt, or a short period of time, as in "just a few minutes." This variety of use makes the word versatile and expressive in spoken and written Japanese.

Additionally, 「僅か」 can also appear in sentences to convey a notion that something is within a limit, but in a small way or nearly considered insignificant. This ability to convey a sense of moderation is quite valuable, especially in Japanese culture and language, where subtle nuances are appreciated and emphasized.

In summary, 「僅か」 is a word that maintains its relevance simply by capturing a vital essence in our perception of quantity and intensity. Although it is a term used to describe something small, its utility and importance in the Japanese language cannot be underestimated.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 少し (sukoshi) - A little
• わずか (wazuka) - An insignificant or very small amount
• ほんの少し (hon no sukoshi) - Just a little bit
• ほんのわずか (hon no wazuka) - Just an insignificant amount
• かすか (kasuka) - Weak or feeble, indicating something that is only noticeable.
• ほんのちょっと (hon no chotto) - Just a little bit
• ほんの僅か (hon no wazuka) - Just a minimal amount
• ほんのわずかばかり (hon no wazuka bakari) - Just a little bit (of a very small amount)
• ほんの少ししか (hon no sukoshi shika) - Just a little (with emphasis on the limitation)
• ほんのわずかしか (hon no wazuka shika) - Just an insignificant amount (with emphasis on the limitation)
• ほんの少しの (hon no sukoshi no) - A little bit of (suggesting a small amount)
• ほんのわずかの (hon no wazuka no) - An insignificant amount of
• ほんの僅かの (hon no wazuka no) - A minimum amount of
• ほんのわずかばかりの (hon no wazuka bakari no) - Just a little bit of (emphasizing the small amount)
• ほんの少ししかない (hon no sukoshi shika nai) - There is not just a little (emphasizing the scarcity)
• ほんのわずかしかない (hon no wazuka shika nai) - There is not just an insignificant amount (emphasizing scarcity)