Dictionary
English - Japanese
Less
lɛs
Extremely common
900 - 1000
900 - 1000
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
少ない (sukunai), より少ない (yori sukunai), より少なく (yori sukunaku), 減少する (genshō suru), 劣る (otoru)
Less meanings in Japanese
少ない (sukunai)
Example:
There are less people here today.
今日はここに人が少ないです。
I have less time than I thought.
思っていたよりも時間が少ないです。
Usage: InformalContext: Used to compare quantities or amounts.
Note: Often used when discussing countable nouns or time.
より少ない (yori sukunai)
Example:
This option costs less than the other.
このオプションは他よりも安いです。
She earns less money than her brother.
彼女は兄よりも少ないお金を稼いでいます。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to make comparisons, often in financial or quantitative contexts.
Note: Used in comparative sentences.
より少なく (yori sukunaku)
Example:
Please use less salt in the recipe.
レシピにはより少なく塩を使ってください。
I want to eat less sugar.
私はより少なく砂糖を食べたいです。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used when giving instructions or expressing preferences.
Note: Commonly used in health or dietary contexts.
減少する (genshō suru)
Example:
The population is lessening every year.
人口は毎年減少しています。
We need to lessen our environmental impact.
私たちは環境への影響を減少させる必要があります。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in discussions about trends, statistics, or environmental issues.
Note: Often used in scientific or formal writing.
劣る (otoru)
Example:
His skills are less than mine.
彼のスキルは私のより劣っています。
This model is less powerful than the previous one.
このモデルは前のモデルより劣っています。
Usage: FormalContext: Used to compare quality or capability.
Note: This meaning emphasizes inferiority.
Less's synonyms
fewer
Fewer is used to indicate a smaller number or amount of something.
Example: There are fewer people in the room today.
Note: Fewer is used when referring to countable nouns, while 'less' is used with uncountable nouns.
reduced
Reduced implies that something has been made smaller or diminished in quantity.
Example: We have reduced the amount of sugar in this recipe.
Note: Reduced can imply a deliberate action to make something smaller, while 'less' is a more general term.
diminished
Diminished means to make or become less.
Example: The company's profits have diminished over the past year.
Note: Diminished often implies a gradual decrease or decline over time.
Less expressions, common phrases
Less is more
This phrase implies that simplicity and minimalism can often be more effective or powerful than elaborate designs or excessive details.
Example: In design, sometimes less is more; simplicity can be more impactful than complexity.
Note: The phrase 'less is more' emphasizes the idea of quality over quantity, whereas 'less' simply refers to a smaller amount.
Less than ideal
This phrase indicates that something falls short of being perfect or optimal.
Example: The weather conditions for our trip were less than ideal, with heavy rain and strong winds throughout the day.
Note: While 'less' generally refers to a smaller quantity or degree, 'less than ideal' specifically denotes a level of quality that is not satisfactory.
Less of
This phrase is used to express a desire for a reduction in a particular behavior or attitude.
Example: I'll have less of your attitude, young man! Show some respect.
Note: Compared to simply saying 'less,' 'less of' is more confrontational and direct in requesting a change in behavior.
Less everyday (slang) expressions
Lessen up
This slang term means to relax, reduce stress, or take it easy.
Example: You need to lessen up and stop stressing about it.
Note: The slang term 'lessen up' is informal compared to the standard 'relax' or 'calm down'.
Less of that
This phrase is used to tell someone to stop doing or saying something annoying or inappropriate.
Example: Hey, less of that attitude, please.
Note: It's a more informal way of saying 'stop that' or 'cut it out'.
Less is a bore
This play on the phrase 'less is more' suggests that too much simplicity or minimalism can be dull or uninteresting.
Example: Some people think minimalism is boring, but less is a bore.
Note: This phrase is a humorous twist on the original saying 'less is more'.
Less - Examples
Less is more.
I have less money than you.
The dress is less expensive than the coat.
Less grammar
Less - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb, comparative (Adverb, comparative)
Lemma: less
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): less
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): least
Adjective (Adjective): less
Adverb, comparative (Adverb, comparative): less
Adverb, superlative (Adverb, superlative): least
Adverb (Adverb): less
Syllables, Separation and Stress
less Contains 1 syllables: less
Phonetic transcription: ˈles
less , ˈles (The red syllable is stressed)
Less - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
less: 900 - 1000 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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