N2152/217

たった(の)

たったの + Noun/quantityたったの + time expressions (e.g., 分, 時間)

Meanings

  • Only
  • Just
  • No more than

About this pattern

Explanation

たったの is used to stress how small or minimal something is, often with a slight sense of surprise, limitation, or disappointment. It emphasizes that the quantity or amount is far less than expected or desired. It can modify nouns, numbers, or time expressions, and is commonly used in casual or complaint-tinged contexts. It does not work with long, elaborate descriptions; it highlights a short, almost trivial amount.

Learn in context

Example sentences

たったの千円で買えます。

You can buy it for only 1,000 yen.

たったの五分しか眠れなかった。

I could sleep for only five minutes.

たったの一言で彼の気持ちは変わった。

With just one word, his feelings changed.

たったの三日で完成した。

Completed in just three days.

たったの一人で行くのは心配だ。

Going by yourself is worrisome.