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なかなか~ない・あまり~ない: the difference

Meaning

Not easily, Just won't, Takes a long time to

Past papers

Tested 3 times in past papers

Example

このシステムはなかなか改善かいぜんされない。

This system just isn't getting any better.

Meaning

Not very, Not much, Not really, Hardly

Past papers

Tested once in past papers

Example

このケーキはあまり美味おいしくない。

This cake isn't very delicious.

How to tell them apart

「なかなか~ない」 is 'wanted, but it doesn't work out'. 「全然~ない」 is 'not at all': 「全然勉強しない」 (never studies). 「あまり~ない」 is 'not very'.

It can't be used for things that were never going to happen. Don't say 「×冬にはなかなか桜が咲かない」.

All about なかなか~ない ›All about あまり~ない ›