窮屈

きゅうくつ
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

Physically narrow or tight; cramped — lacking space or room (e.g. clothes, a room).

Na-AdjectiveNoun

Examples

この服は少し窮屈で腕が動かしにくい。

These clothes are a bit tight and it's hard to move my arms.

狭いアパートで家族四人は窮屈に感じる。

A family of four feels cramped in a small apartment.

靴が窮屈で一日中歩いたら足が痛くなった。

The shoes were tight and my feet hurt after walking all day.

2

Formal, stiff, or ceremonious — constrained by rules or etiquette; rigid in manner.

Na-AdjectiveNoun

Examples

会議の雰囲気が窮屈で意見が出にくかった。

The meeting atmosphere was stiff, so it was hard to speak up.

あのホテルはサービスは良いが、スタッフの対応が窮屈に感じることがある。

The hotel's service is good, but sometimes the staff's manner feels overly formal.

3

Constrained or uncomfortable emotionally — feeling restricted, uneasy, or stifled.

Na-AdjectiveNoun

Examples

最近、人の目が気になって窮屈に感じる。

Lately I've been bothered by others' eyes and feel constrained.

きちんとした席では、いつもより窮屈な気持ちになることがある。

At formal occasions I sometimes feel more constrained than usual.

4

Tight (finances) — lacking financial leeway; a strained budget or wallet.

Na-AdjectiveNoun

Examples

今月は出費が多くて財布が窮屈だ。

I've had a lot of expenses this month and my wallet is tight.

予算が窮屈で、新しい設備を入れられない。

The budget is tight and we can't install new equipment.