GRAMMAR
僅かに
only
slightly, barely
Explanation
NOTE
僅かに (わずかに) is an adverb meaning slightly, barely, or only a small amount. It emphasizes how small the degree or quantity is.
僅かに笑った。
She slightly smiled.
Place 僅かに directly before the verb or adjective it modifies.
NOTE
Use 僅かに with verbs or adjectives to describe a tiny change, narrow margin, or small difference.
NOTE
It often appears in written or formal contexts, such as news reports or descriptions of measurements and competitions.
STRUCTURE
僅かに+V/Adj
気温が僅かに下がった。
Kion ga wazuka ni sagatta.
The temperature dropped slightly.
彼は僅かに頷いた。
Kare wa wazuka ni unazuita.
He nodded slightly.
僅かに勝った。
Wazuka ni katta.
We won by a slim margin.
Practice exercises
1
彼の心には僅かに不安が残っていた。
A slight unease remained in his heart.
Answer
僅かに僅か
2
私の貯金は僅かに残っているにすぎない。
My savings are barely remaining.
Answer
僅かに僅か
3
霧の中で、対岸の光が僅かに見えた。
In the fog, the light from the opposite shore was barely visible.
Answer
僅かに僅か
4
彼は一言僅かに話したきり、黙ってしまった。
He barely said one word and then fell silent.
Answer
僅かに僅か
5
事態は僅かに改善したものの、警戒せざるを得ない。
Although the situation slightly improved, we have no choice but to remain vigilant.
Answer
僅かに僅か