Entry
ちょっぴし
choppishi
Means a tiny bit or a very small amount, acting as a colloquial variant of choppiri.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to emphasize that an amount, degree, or emotional shift is exceptionally small. It is a highly colloquial and casual pronunciation variant of the more standard choppiri, often sounding slightly cutesy or playful in conversation.
- A tiny bit (feelings)
- A very small portion
Sense Map
Feelings & States
Used to describe a very slight change in feeling, emotion, or state.
ちょっぴし寂しい。
Quantities & Portions
Used to indicate a very small amount of an object, food, or drink.
お酒をちょっぴし飲む。
Usage Note
How to Use
ちょっぴし + adjective
Placed before an adjective to indicate that the degree of that state is only a tiny bit.
ちょっぴし + verb
Used before a verb to show that the action is done in a very small amount or extent.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちょっぴし寂しい
a tiny bit lonely
ちょっぴし嬉しい
a tiny bit happy
ちょっぴし不安
a tiny bit anxious
ちょっぴし違う
slightly different
ちょっぴし食べる
eat a tiny bit
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing personal feelings or flaws. | Neutral to positive | Often used to downplay oneself or make small flaws sound cute and less serious. |
| Asking someone for a small portion or favor. | Casual | Emphasizes that your request is very tiny, hoping it won't be a burden to the listener. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちょっぴり ちょっぴり / similar | Use choppiri as the standard colloquial term for a little bit. | choppishi is just a more casual, sometimes cutesy variant of choppiri. | ちょっぴり恥ずかしい。 |
ほんのり ほんのり / nearby | Use for faint, subtle sensory perceptions like slight sweetness or color. | choppishi is used to emphasize a tiny quantity or a slight degree of feeling, not just faint physical senses. | ほんのり甘い。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using choppishi in formal business emails or to superiors.
Avoid it in formal contexts; use sukoshi (少し) or shoushou (少々) instead.
Assuming it can mean a large change if used with emphasis.
It strictly means a very small amount or degree; it cannot mean very much.
Examples
Examples
ちょっぴし塩を加えると、美味しくなります。
ちょっぴし しお を くわえる と、 おいしく なります。
If you add just a tiny bit of salt, it will become more delicious.
LiteralUsing choppishi for a very small portion in cooking.
昨日の夜から、ちょっぴし熱があります。
きのう の よる から、 ちょっぴし ねつ が あります。
I've had a tiny bit of a fever since last night.
LiteralIndicates a mild degree of a physical condition.
彼の冷たい言葉に、ちょっぴし傷ついた。
かれ の つめたい ことば に、 ちょっぴし きずついた。
I was a tiny bit hurt by his cold words.
FigurativeDescribing a suppressed degree of negative emotion.
その服は私にはちょっぴし大きすぎます。
その ふく は わたし には ちょっぴし おおきすぎます。
That clothes is a tiny bit too big for me.
VisualIndicating a very slight excess in visual size.
彼女はちょっぴし恥ずかしそうに笑った。
かのじょ は ちょっぴし はずかしそう に わらった。
She smiled, looking a tiny bit shy.
VisualDescribing a slight emotion visible on the face.
Similar Words
ちょっぴり
choppiri
ちょっぴり (choppiri) means a very small amount or degree, often conveying a cute, subjective, or emotional nuance. The main synonym that is more common and slightly more standard than choppishi.
ほんのり
honnori
Honnori means faintly or subtly, typically describing a mild, gentle sensory experience. Used for faint sensory degrees like color or sweetness, rather than just a small quantity.
Questions
What is the difference between choppishi and choppiri?
They mean the exact same thing (a tiny bit), but choppishi is an even more casual variant that can sound slightly playful, childish, or cutesy.
Is it appropriate to use this word at work?
No, it is highly colloquial. In formal or business settings, it is much better to use standard words like sukoshi or shoushou.
Can I use it with negative emotions?
Yes. Pairing it with words like sad or lonely softens the impact of the negative emotion, making it sound milder.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2839407
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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