What it means
あまり〇〇ない expresses a low degree, amount, or frequency: “not very much,” “not very,” or “not often.” It normally appears with a negative predicate. With verbs, it commonly means that an action is not done often or much. With adjectives, it means that something does not have the described quality to a high degree. The familiar and polite versions use the same あまり pattern, while only the predicate ending changes for register.
Usage note
あまり normally combines with a negative predicate. Do not use it as a general replacement for “not at all”; for stronger negation, Japanese often uses 全然 with a negative predicate.
How to use it
それはあまり問題ではありません。
That is not much of a problem.
この町はあまり静かではありません。
This town is not very quiet.
この店の料理はあまり辛くありません。
The food at this restaurant is not very spicy.
私は朝にコーヒーをあまり飲みません。
I do not often drink coffee in the morning.
それはあまり問題ではない。
That is not much of a problem.
この町はあまり静かではない。
This town is not very quiet.
この店の料理はあまり辛くない。
The food at this restaurant is not very spicy.
私は朝にコーヒーをあまり飲まない。
I do not often drink coffee in the morning.