僅かに【わずかに】

僅かに (わずかに) is an adverb meaning "slightly", "barely", or "only a little". It emphasizes that the degree, amount, or extent of something is very small. It is used in both written and spoken Japanese, though it has a somewhat formal or literary tone and is common in news, academic writing, and formal descriptions.

Expressing a small degree or amount

僅かに modifies verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses to indicate that something happens to only a slight extent.

Expressing "barely" or "just barely"

When something is accomplished or exists by the narrowest of margins, 僅かに conveys the sense of "barely" or "just barely."

Emphasizing a small quantity – "only" or "merely"

僅かに can stress that a quantity is surprisingly or disappointingly small, similar to たった or ほんの.

Related expressions

• わずか (僅か): The na-adjective / noun form. Used before nouns with の (e.g. 僅かな差 "a slight difference") or as a standalone noun.
• すこし少し / ちょっと: More casual alternatives for "a little" or "slightly," but they lack the nuance of emphasizing how remarkably small something is.
• かろうじて: Also means "barely," but focuses more on difficulty or narrowness of success, while 僅かに focuses on the smallness of degree or amount.