On the Semantic Properties of Expressions Denoting a Small Quantity

Abstract

This paper discusses the directionality of the scales in which expressions denoting a small quantity, like sukoshi, mare (ni), wazuka (ni) in Japanese, are positioned.
When used as predicates, these expressions define a downward or negative scale which is paired with the upward or positive scale defined by their contraries.
In contrast, these expressions are positioned in an upward scale when they are used adverbially.
These facts can be explained by assuming that decreasing adverbial quantifiers are generally not allowed in Japanese.