あまり〜ない amari ... nai

あまり〜ない（amari ... nai）means “not very; not much”. 'Amari' placed before a negative predicate means 'not very' or 'not much'. Formation: あまり + V/Aい/Aな（否定形：〜ない／〜くない／〜ではない）

not very; not much

N5

Formation

あまり + V/Aい/Aな（否定形：〜ない／〜くない／〜ではない）

Explanation

'Amari' placed before a negative predicate means 'not very' or 'not much'. It softens or limits the degree, so it must always be paired with a negative form of the verb or adjective. Without the negative it cannot carry this meaning.

Examples

わたしはおさけをあまりのみません。
わたしは おさけを あまり のみません。
I don't drink much alcohol.
このえいがはあまりおもしろくないです。
この えいがは あまり おもしろくないです。
This movie isn't very interesting.

Note

In casual speech 'amari' is often shortened to 'anmari'. Note: 'amari' + affirmative ('amari ni') means 'too much', a different usage.

FAQ

あまり〜ない — what does it mean and how is it used?

not very; not much. 'Amari' placed before a negative predicate means 'not very' or 'not much'. It softens or limits the degree, so it must always be paired with a negative form of the verb or adjective. Without the negative it cannot carry this meaning.

あまり〜ない — how do you form it?

あまり + V/Aい/Aな（否定形：〜ない／〜くない／〜ではない）

あまり〜ない — any usage notes?

In casual speech 'amari' is often shortened to 'anmari'. Note: 'amari' + affirmative ('amari ni') means 'too much', a different usage.

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