あまり～ない means not very; not particularly. It is a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar pattern used to make a negative statement softer or less absolute.
This grammar point often appears in conversation, written explanations, formal notices, and JLPT-style reading questions. If you want to make a negative statement softer or less absolute, あまり～ない is a useful pattern to learn after the N5 basics.
What does あまり～ない mean?
Use あまり～ない when you want to make a negative statement softer or less absolute.
Natural translations include:
- not very
- not much
- not very; not much
The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on what the grammar point does in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural.
How to form あまり～ない
あまり + negative expression
Examples of the pattern:
- あまり高くない
- あまり食べない
- あまり好きではない
Pay attention to the word form before the pattern. Many JLPT N4 mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form.
When is あまり～ない used?
Use あまり～ない in situations like:
- explaining a condition, reason, decision, or time relationship
- making a sentence more specific than a basic N5 pattern
- understanding natural Japanese in conversation or reading
Tone and register:
- neutral unless the grammar itself is marked as casual, humble, honorific, or formal
- Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and JLPT N4 reading questions
あまり～ない example sentences
- この店はあまり高くないです。 — This shop is not very expensive.
- 私は朝ご飯をあまり食べません。 — I do not eat breakfast very much.
- 今日はあまり寒くないです。 — It is not very cold today.
- 漢字はあまり得意ではありません。 — I am not very good at kanji.
- その映画はあまり面白くなかったです。 — That movie was not very interesting.
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: condition, timing, limitation, possibility, decision, politeness, or emphasis.
Nuance of あまり～ない
The key nuance is means “not very,” leaving some room.
This matters because あまり～ない may look simple in English, but the Japanese form tells you whether the speaker is describing a time, a condition, a decision, a possibility, or a social relationship.
For example:
- In context, あまり～ない helps make the sentence more precise than a direct English translation.
- Compared with 全然～ない, it has a different focus even when both patterns appear in similar sentences.
あまり～ない vs 全然～ない
Both {jp} and {similar} can appear in related sentences, but they are different.
あまり～ない:
- is the target JLPT N4 pattern in this lesson
- carries the specific nuance explained above
全然～ない:
- is useful for comparison because learners often mix it up
- may use a different form, tone, or sentence focus
Quick contrast examples:
- Target pattern: この店はあまり高くないです。 — This shop is not very expensive.
- Related pattern with 全然～ない: compare the form and ask whether the sentence is about timing, condition, ability, decision, or politeness.
If you are unsure which one to use, identify the main job of the sentence before translating it into English.
Common mistakes with あまり～ない
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it with the wrong verb, noun, or adjective form
- Confusing it with 全然～ない because the English translation can look similar
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence context
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel.
Is あまり～ない on the JLPT?
Yes. あまり～ない is commonly taught as JLPT N4 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.
Practice questions for あまり～ない
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using the basic pattern.
- Change the sentence into polite or casual style if possible.
- Compare it with the related pattern from the comparison section.
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic.
Learn あまり～ない with Kanjiru
If you want to review あまり～ない together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N4 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
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