小さい

ちいさい
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

Being small in size; having little physical dimensions.

I-Adjective

Examples

この箱は小さいから、荷物があまり入らない。

This box is small, so not much fits inside.

小さい犬が公園で遊んでいる。

A small dog is playing in the park.

彼女は小さい部屋でも落ち着いて勉強する。

She can concentrate and study even in a small room.

2

Being slight or minor in degree, amount, or importance; below average or modest in scale.

I-Adjective

Examples

その差は小さいが、無視できない影響がある。

The difference is small, but it has an impact that can't be ignored.

ミスは小さいから、すぐに直せる。

The mistake is minor, so it can be fixed quickly.

3

Low or soft (sound); having a quiet or low volume.

I-Adjective

Examples

テレビの音を小さくしてもらえますか?

Could you turn the TV down a bit?

彼はいつも小さい声で話すから、聞き取りにくい。

He always speaks in a low voice, so it's hard to hear him.

4

Unimportant; petty or trivial — referring to something of little consequence.

I-Adjective

Examples

そんな小さいことを気にしないでください。

Don't worry about such a trivial thing.

議論は小さい問題に終始してしまった。

The discussion ended up revolving around petty issues.

5

Being young or juvenile; referring to childhood or being small/young in age.

I-Adjective

Examples

小さい頃からピアノを習っている。

I've been taking piano lessons since I was little.

あの子はまだ小さいから、一人で外で遊ばせないでください。

That child is still small, so please don't let them play outside alone.

Word Relationships

Antonym
Derivations