あまり～ない (Not very)
Not very, Not much, Not really, Hardly
JLPT N4
Pattern
あまり + negative
How it works
あまり with a negative means “not very / not much”. It must be followed by a negative ending. For “not at all”, use ぜんぜん.
Examples
- この 料理は あまり からくないです。This dish isn't very spicy.
- テレビは あまり 見ません。I don't watch much TV.
Related grammar
Further reading
Bunpro N4 · Lesson 3Put your practice together
Work through a complete paper at your own pace or choose a timed mock exam. No account is needed to begin.