N491/179

すこしも~ない

すこしも + ~ない

Meanings

  • not even a little
  • not at all
  • not in the least
  • never

About this pattern

Explanation

すこしも~ない is a strong negative expression meaning “not even a little” or “not at all.” It emphasizes that there is absolutely none of whatever is being claimed or expected. It is used with verbs in the negative form to stress total absence or zero extent of the action or quality. It can feel quite forceful or emphatic, so it’s more natural in casual or direct contexts and balanced with polite language when needed. Typical contexts: - Refusing or denying completely (e.g., not understanding, not agreeing). - Emphasizing the degree of contrast or disappointment. - Expressing a decisive negation about a situation or expectation.

Learn in context

Example sentences

その話はすこしもおもしろくなかった。

That story wasn’t interesting at all.

私はこの問題がすこしもわからない。

I don’t understand this problem at all.

彼はその提案にすこしも賛成しない。

He doesn’t agree with that proposal at all.

彼女は私のジョークをすこしも笑わなかった。

She didn’t laugh at my joke, not even a little.

この部屋はこのくらいの明るさではすこしも快適ではない。

In this level of brightness, this room isn’t comfortable at all.