日本語教科書の中の「ちょっと」

―外国人は「ちょっと」をどう学ぶか―

抄録

This paper describes how Japanese language textbook explains the small word “Chotto”. This word has various meanings and diversified functions in a Japanese context. The original meaning of this word is the amount and extent, but also it is often used for these situations; making consideration of others, when referring to casual or informal actions. The former is euphemism used when declining an invitation, or making a request moderately. The latter is, for instance, saying “Excuse me”, or inviting to stop by somewhere casually like “Let’s have a drink.”

Accordingly, most of beginners do not learn the word “Chotto ” for negative evaluation. They don’t have an opportunity for evaluation in their class. However, learners listen the word “Chotto” in their interactions with

native Japanese speakers. It is suggested that foreigners should learn casual expressions of adverbs like “Chotto” through actual day to day conversations rather than through textbooks.