Smattering Meaning in English

word

US

ˈsmætɝɪŋ

SMAT-er-ing

UK

smˈætəɹɪŋ

SMAT-uh-ring

Definition

A small amount of knowledge about a subject; knowing just a little, not in depth.

Usage & Nuances

Used in both formal and informal settings, often with 'a smattering of' (e.g., 'a smattering of French'). Implies limited, surface-level ability—more than nothing, but far from fluent or expert. Sometimes used for a small quantity of something (like applause), but mainly about knowledge.

• Spanish: nociones básicas - pequeño conocimiento
• Portuguese (BR): conhecimento superficial - noções básicas
• Portuguese (PT): conhecimento superficial - noções básicas
• Chinese (Simplified): 略懂 - 一点儿（知识）
• Chinese (Traditional): 略懂 - 一點點（知識）
• Hindi: ऊपरी जानकारी - थोड़ी जानकारी
• Arabic: إلمام بسيط - معرفة سطحية
• Bengali: সামান্য জ্ঞান - অল্প (পরিমাণ/জ্ঞান)
• Russian: поверхностное знание - небольшое количество
• Japanese: わずかな知識 - 少量
• Vietnamese: một chút kiến thức - một ít (số lượng)
• Korean: 약간의 지식 - 소량
• Turkish: az bir bilgi - ufak miktar
• Urdu: تھوڑا سا علم - معمولی مقدار
• Indonesian: sedikit pengetahuan - sedikit (jumlah)

Example Sentences

I have a smattering of Spanish.

basic

She knows a smattering of French words.

basic

He has a smattering of knowledge about history.

basic

I picked up a smattering of Italian while traveling.

natural

There was only a smattering of applause at the end of the show.

natural

Most people in the meeting had just a smattering of experience in marketing.

natural