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How to say 'Few' or 'Some' in Japanese | 若干

Wondering how to say 'Few' or 'Some' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Few or Some is 'Jakkan', written as 若干 in Japanese.'Few' or 'Some' in hiragana is じゃっかん.

    word

    若干

    Meaning

    Few, Some

    Reading

    じゃっかん

    jakkan

    Kanji

    若Young 干Dry

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '若干 (じゃっかん)' means 'some' or 'a few'. It is used to indicate a small or indefinite quantity of something. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to describe a modest amount or degree. For example: There are some problems「若干の問題がある」(じゃっかんのもんだいがある). A few people attended the meeting「若干の人が会議に出席した」(じゃっかんのひとがかいぎにしゅっせきした). Note that '若干' is more formal than alternatives like '少し (すこし)' or 'いくつか', and it is commonly used in reports, documents, or speeches.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N2

    Kanji Grade

    6

    Frequency

    5066

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 若干

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    若

    Meaning

    Young

  • kanji

    干

    Meaning

    Dry

Words Related to 若干 Through the Kanji 若

These 5 Words contain the Kanji 若 as well.

  • word

    若し

    Meaning

    If

  • word

    若い

    Meaning

    Young

  • word

    若者

    Meaning

    Youth

  • word

    若しくは

    Meaning

    Or

  • word

    若々しい

    Meaning

    Youthful

Words Related to 若干 Through the Kanji 干

These 3 Words contain the Kanji 干 as well.

  • word

    梅干

    Meaning

    Pickled plum

  • word

    干す

    Meaning

    Dry

  • word

    干渉

    Meaning

    Interference, Meddling

Learn the Word 若干

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What does 'Jakkan' (若干) mean?

'Jakkan' means 'Few' or 'Some' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.