Translation and Meaning of: 若干 - jyakkan

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 若干 (jyakkan) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: jyakkan

Kana: じゃっかん

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n1

若干

Translation / Meaning: some; few; number of

Meaning in English: some;few;number of

Definition: A little (Jakkan): Just a little. a little.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (若干) jyakkan

The Japanese word 「若干」 (jyakkan) is an interesting term that carries nuances of both quantity and uncertainty. The etymology of the word can be divided into two kanji: 「若」 and 「干」. The first kanji, 「若」 (waka or jaku), often means "young" or "inexperienced," but it can also convey the idea of "some" or "few" in certain contexts. The second kanji, 「干」 (kan or hosu), means "dry" or "intervention," but in the case of the term 「若干」, its role is more functional than semantic, helping to form the concept of unpredictable or limited quantity.

In modern Japanese, 「若干」 is frequently used to convey the idea of "some" or "a little," especially in situations where the exact amount is uncertain or unknown. This usage is common in formal or technical contexts, where absolute precision may not be necessary or possible. Additionally, 「若干」 can be a useful term when one wishes to provide deliberately vague information, perhaps to soften a situation or avoid details that are not immediately relevant.

The origin of the use of 「若干」 in this uncertain sense of quantity is likely linked to its formal and academic usage. The Japanese have a long tradition of using ambiguous and indirect language to avoid confrontations and maintain harmony, and the word 「若干」 fits well within this cultural ethos. In historical documents and literature, you may find 「若干」 used to describe groups or indeterminate quantities of people, objects, or ideas, highlighting its role in precise yet carefully moderated communication.

Synonyms and similar words

少々 (shoushou) - A little; a small amount, usually used in formal contexts.
いくぶん (ikubun) - A certain amount; a little more formal, used to express a slight increase.
ちょっと (chotto) - A little; used casually in everyday life.
少し (sukoshi) - A little; usually used neutrally in different contexts.
少量 (shouryou) - Small amount; often used in contexts involving measurements.
少ない (sukunai) - Little; indicates that there is a smaller quantity than expected.
些細 (sasai) - Insignificant; something of little importance or trivial.
幾分 (ikubun) - To some extent; usually used to indicate a small part or quantity.
すこし (sukoshi) - A little; a term similar to "少し", but more common in colloquial speech.