少なくない
Quite a few, Quite a lot, Many, Not a few, Not a little
Structure
(1) が、も
Explanation
Another expression built from the い-Adjective 少ない (few; scarce) is 少なくない. This grammar point is a classic example of a double negative. Because 少ない means 'few', negating it creates the meaning 'not few'. This expression is used to emphasize that there is a significant or considerable amount of something, similar to saying 'quite a few' or 'a good number of' in English.
To form this grammar point, a noun followed by a particle such as は, が, or も will precede 少なくない (or its more formal version, 少なくありません).
- 大人になっても泳げない人は少なくない。There are quite a few adults who can't swim.
- 最近、将来についての悩み事が少なくないんです。Lately, I've had a considerable number of worries about the future.
- アルバイトをしている学生も少なくない。There are also a lot of students who work part-time jobs.
Caution
It is important to remember that the ない in 少ない is an inseparable part of the adjective itself, rather than the negative form of the い-Adjective ない. Japanese has a number of common い-Adjectives like this that you will need to learn as whole words.
- この時間は、店にお客さんが少ない。At this hour, there are few customers in the store.
- この映画は本当につまらない。This movie is really boring.
- ご迷惑をおかけして、本当に申し訳ない。I am truly sorry for the trouble I've caused.
Examples
セロリが嫌いな人は少なくないと思うよ。
I think there are quite a few people who dislike celery.
タナカ：「私の趣味は少なくないです。」
Tanaka: 'I have quite a few hobbies.'
ペットを飼っている学生も少なくないです。
There are quite a few students who own a pet.
将来に不安を感じている若者は少なくない。
Quite a few young people feel anxious about the future.
彼が解決しなければならない問題は少なくないんだ。
There are many problems that he has to solve.
このレストランは人気があるはずだ。良いレビューの数が少なくないからね。
This restaurant must be popular. That's because it has quite a few good reviews.
この仕事をしていると、ストレスを感じることは少なくないと思う。
I think there are many occasions when you feel stressed doing this job.
その計画がうまくいかない可能性は少なくない。
The possibility that the plan won't go well is not small.
この地域では、農業で生計をたてている人も、観光業に携わっている人も少なくない。
In this region, there are quite a few people who make a living from agriculture, as well as those who are involved in the tourism industry.
スマホを見ながら歩いて、人にぶつかったり、つまずいたりする場合も少なくない。
There are also many cases where people bump into others or stumble while walking and looking at their smartphones.
その映画を見て感動した人は少なくないかもしれない。
Quite a few people might have been moved by that movie.
この変更に不満を持っている社員は少なくないと思うけど、だれも文句を言わないだろう。
I think there are quite a few employees who are dissatisfied with this change, but probably no one will complain.