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B1 noun 8 Min. Lesezeit

狭さ

semesa

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At the A1 level, you usually learn the adjective 'semai' (narrow/small). 'Semasa' is the noun version. Think of it like this: 'semai' is 'small,' and 'semasa' is 'smallness.' You might not use it much yourself yet, but you might hear someone say 'heya no semasa' when they are talking about how small a room is. It's a way to name the 'small' quality of something. For now, just remember that the '-sa' at the end makes it a thing you can talk about, like 'the smallness.'

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'semasa' in simple sentences with the particle 'no'. For example, 'heya no semasa' (the narrowness of the room). You might use it to explain why you don't like a place: 'Heya no semasa ga kirai desu' (I hate the smallness of the room). It's helpful when you want to focus on the quality of being narrow as the subject of your sentence. You will see this often in descriptions of houses or roads in your textbooks.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'semasa' to describe both physical spaces and more abstract ideas. You can use it with verbs like 'odoroku' (to be surprised) or 'kanjiru' (to feel). For example, 'Seken no semasa ni odorokimashita' (I was surprised by how small the world is). You should also understand that '-sa' is a standard way to turn i-adjectives into nouns to discuss their degree. This word is very common when discussing the realities of living in Japan.

At the B2 level, you can use 'semasa' to discuss social issues or design challenges. You might use it in a presentation about urban planning: 'Toshi no semasa wo dou kokufuku suru ka' (How to overcome the narrowness of the city). You can distinguish between 'semasa' (objective narrowness) and 'kyuukutsusa' (the feeling of being cramped). Your usage should be nuanced, recognizing when 'semasa' is being used to describe a physical limitation versus a metaphorical one, like 'shiya no semasa' (narrowness of vision).

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At the C1 level, 'semasa' becomes a tool for precise description in literature or formal reports. You might analyze how the 'semasa' of a setting contributes to the atmosphere of a novel. You can use it in complex grammatical structures, such as 'semasa yue ni' (because of the narrowness). You understand the historical and cultural connotations of the word, including how it relates to the Japanese concept of 'ma' (space) and the aesthetic of smallness. You can use it fluently in debates about sociology or architecture.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'semasa' and its synonyms. You can use it with poetic flair or academic precision. You might discuss the 'semasa' of a particular philosophical viewpoint or use it to critique the limitations of a scientific model. You understand the subtle difference between 'semasa' and other noun forms, and you can use it to convey specific emotional overtones in high-level writing. You can also recognize its use in classical-style modern Japanese or specialized technical fields.

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狭さ in 30 Sekunden

Semasa is a noun meaning 'narrowness' or 'smallness' of space.
It comes from the adjective 'semai' by changing 'i' to 'sa'.
It is used for physical spaces like rooms and abstract things like perspectives.
It is essential for discussing housing and social coincidences in Japan.

The Japanese word 狭さ (semasa) is a noun derived from the i-adjective 狭い (semai), which means narrow, small, or cramped. By replacing the final 'i' with the suffix -sa, the adjective is transformed into a noun that represents the degree, state, or quality of that adjective. In this case, semasa refers to the 'narrowness' or 'crampedness' of a physical space, or metaphorically, the narrowness of one's perspective or social circle. This linguistic transformation is a fundamental aspect of Japanese grammar, allowing speakers to quantify and discuss abstract qualities as measurable entities.

Physical Dimension: The most common usage involves describing the physical constraints of a room, a road, or a building. It often carries a nuance of discomfort or limitation.

都会のアパートの狭さには、もう慣れました。 (I have already gotten used to the narrowness of city apartments.)

Beyond the physical, semasa is used to describe the limited scope of things. For example, seken no semasa (the narrowness of the world) is a common phrase used when two people discover a surprising mutual connection, similar to the English expression 'it's a small world.' It captures the feeling that social circles are tighter and more interconnected than they appear. This word is essential for B1 learners because it moves beyond simple descriptions ('the room is narrow') to discussing the *concept* of narrowness itself.

Grammatical Category: Noun (derived from i-adjective). It functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often followed by particles like 'wa', 'ga', or 'wo'.

道の狭さが原因で、トラックが通れない。 (Because of the narrowness of the road, the truck cannot pass.)

In Japanese culture, where space is often at a premium, semasa is a word frequently encountered in discussions about housing, urban planning, and interior design. It isn't always negative; sometimes the semasa of a tea room or a small izakaya is praised for creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere (often described as komyunitii or ochitsuku). Understanding the weight of this word helps learners appreciate the Japanese aesthetic of maximizing small spaces.

Using 狭さ (semasa) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. Unlike the adjective semai, which describes a noun (e.g., semai heya - a narrow room), semasa is the noun itself. It is often preceded by a noun and the possessive particle no. For instance, to say 'the narrowness of the room,' you say heya no semasa. This structure allows you to make the narrowness the focus of your sentence.

Common Verb Pairings: 'Semasa wo kanjiru' (to feel the narrowness), 'semasa ga ki ni naru' (to be bothered by the narrowness), 'semasa wo katsuyou suru' (to utilize the narrowness/smallness).

このキッチンの狭さでは、二人で料理するのは難しい。 (With the narrowness of this kitchen, it is difficult for two people to cook.)

When talking about abstract concepts like 'narrowness of mind,' the word kokoro no semasa or kiyuu no semasa might be used, though semai is more common in those cases. However, semasa shines when you want to compare degrees. You can use the particle ni to indicate what you are surprised by: heya no semasa ni odoroku (to be surprised by the narrowness of the room). This highlights the quality as the cause of the reaction.

世間の狭さを痛感した出来事だった。 (It was an event that made me keenly realize how small the world is.)

In professional contexts, such as architecture or logistics, semasa is used to specify constraints. 'How narrow is the entrance?' would be iriguchi no semasa wa dono kurai desu ka?. While haba (width) is more technical, semasa emphasizes the limitation or the 'tight' feeling of the space. It is a very human-centric word, focusing on how the space is perceived or how it hinders movement.

In daily Japanese life, 狭さ (semasa) is a word that pops up in conversations about living conditions, travel, and social coincidences. If you are looking for an apartment in Tokyo, the real estate agent might apologize for the semasa of the unit, or you might discuss the semasa of the balcony when deciding if you can hang laundry there. It is a word rooted in the reality of Japanese urban density.

Real Estate Context: Used when discussing floor plans (madori) and the trade-off between location and room size.

「この部屋、狭さの割に家賃が高いね。」 (This room has high rent considering how narrow/small it is.)

You will also hear this word in media, particularly in travel shows or documentaries about 'Kyoushou Juutaku' (micro-houses). Architects often talk about how to overcome the semasa of a plot of land through clever design. In these contexts, the word is used to frame a challenge that needs a creative solution. On variety shows, guests might complain about the semasa of the dressing rooms or the stage, using it for comedic effect to highlight their humble or difficult working conditions.

新幹線の座席の狭さが気になって、あまり眠れなかった。 (I couldn't sleep much because the narrowness of the Shinkansen seat bothered me.)

In literature or more formal writing, semasa can be used to describe a 'narrow-minded' approach to a problem or the 'narrowness' of a specific academic field. It serves as a bridge between physical reality and abstract concepts of limitation. Whether you are navigating a crowded 'shotengai' (shopping street) or discussing the limitations of a budget, semasa provides the necessary noun form to express the concept of 'being narrow' as a specific point of discussion.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the adjective 狭い (semai) with the noun 狭さ (semasa). Remember that semai describes a noun directly, while semasa is a noun that describes the state itself. You cannot say 'semasa heya' to mean a narrow room; you must say 'semai heya'. Conversely, you cannot say 'semai ni odoroku'; you must say 'semasa ni odoroku' (to be surprised by the narrowness).

Adjective vs. Noun: Mistake: Heya no semai (The room's narrow). Correct: Heya no semasa (The narrowness of the room).

❌ この道の狭いは危ない。
✅ この道の狭さは危ない。 (The narrowness of this road is dangerous.)

Another common error is using semasa when haba (width) is more appropriate. While semasa focuses on the *feeling* of being narrow or the *limitation* of space, haba is the neutral, technical term for width. If you are measuring a table to see if it fits, you ask for the haba. If you are complaining that the table is too small for four people, you might talk about its semasa. Using semasa in a purely technical context can sound slightly emotional or subjective.

❌ 狭さを部屋に住んでいる。
✅ 狭い部屋に住んでいる。 (I live in a narrow/small room.)

Finally, learners sometimes over-apply the -sa suffix to words where it doesn't fit or where other nouns are more common. While semasa is perfectly natural, for some adjectives, the -sa form sounds overly academic. However, for semai, semasa is the standard way to express 'narrowness.' Just ensure you don't use it as an adverb (which would be semaku).

While 狭さ (semasa) is the most direct way to say 'narrowness,' several other words can be used depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker. For physical tightness, kyuukutsusa (tightness/constriction) is often used when the space feels suffocating or when clothes are too tight. It emphasizes the psychological or physical pressure of the small space.

狭さ vs. 窮屈さ (Kyuukutsusa): Semasa is the objective narrowness; Kyuukutsusa is the uncomfortable feeling of being cramped.

この服は、窮屈さを感じる。 (I feel a sense of tightness/restriction in these clothes.)

Another alternative is tezebasa (hand-narrowness), which specifically refers to a place being too small for the work or activities being done there. It is often used in formal apologies: 'Since our office is tezema (small/cramped), we are moving.' The noun form tezebasa is less common than the adjective tezema, but it's useful to know the root. For technical width, as mentioned before, use haba (width) or yokohaba (horizontal width).

視野の狭さが彼の欠点だ。 (The narrowness of his perspective/vision is his flaw.)

In metaphorical contexts, fukanzen (incomplete) or henpuku (narrow-minded) might be used, but semasa remains a powerful way to describe a lack of breadth. Comparing semasa to hirosa (breadth/spaciousness) is also common. 'The hirosa of the park versus the semasa of the surrounding streets' creates a vivid contrast in descriptive writing. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to focus on the measurement, the feeling, or the functional limitation.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 狭 consists of the 'dog' radical (⺨) and a phonetic component. In ancient times, it may have referred to a narrow place where animals were herded.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /se.ma.sa/

US /se.ma.sa/

Flat (Heiban) accent. The pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Reimt sich auf

甘さ (amasa) 重さ (omasa) 辛さ (karasa) 寒さ (samusa) 弱さ (yowasa) 強さ (tsuyosa) 良さ (yosa) 長さ (nagasa)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'sa' as 'za'.
Stressing the 'ma' too much.
Making the 'e' sound like 'ay' in 'say'.
Elongating the final 'a'.
Confusing the pitch with 'semai'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji is common but requires knowing the '-sa' suffix rule.

Schreiben 3/5

The kanji for 'semai' has many strokes but is essential.

Sprechen 2/5

Easy to pronounce once the suffix rule is understood.

Hören 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to catch in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

狭い (semai) 広い (hiroi) 部屋 (heya) 道 (michi) 世間 (seken)

Als Nächstes lernen

広さ (hirosa) 重さ (omasa) 深さ (fukasa) 高さ (takasa) 窮屈 (kyuukutsu)

Fortgeschritten

狭隘 (kyouai) 偏狭 (henkyou) 度量 (doryou) 空間認知 (kuukan ninchi)

Wichtige Grammatik

i-adjective + sa = Noun

広い (hiroi) -> 広さ (hirosa)

na-adjective + sa = Noun

便利 (benri) -> 便利さ (benrisa)

Noun + no + Quality Noun

道の狭さ (michi no semasa)

Quality Noun + ni + Verb (Cause)

狭さに困る (To be troubled by the narrowness)

Quality Noun + wo + Verb (Object)

狭さを測る (To measure the narrowness)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

このへやのせまさをしっていますか。

Do you know the smallness of this room?

Simple 'no' particle connecting two nouns.

みちのせまさがしんぱいです。

I am worried about the narrowness of the road.

Using 'ga' to mark the subject of worry.

はこのせまさをはかります。

I will measure the narrowness of the box.

Object marker 'wo' used with the verb measure.

せまさがきらいです。

I hate the narrowness.

Basic 'A ga suki/kirai' pattern.

このにわのせまさはどうですか。

How is the smallness of this garden?

Asking for an opinion on a quality.

アパートのせまさをみます。

I will see the narrowness of the apartment.

Simple verb 'miru' (to see/look at).

くるまのせまさがわかります。

I understand the narrowness of the car.

Verb 'wakaru' (to understand/know).

そのせまさはだいじょうぶです。

That narrowness is okay.

Predicate adjective 'daijoubu' (okay).

部屋の狭さにびっくりしました。

I was surprised by the narrowness of the room.

Particle 'ni' indicates the cause of surprise.

道の狭さを教えてください。

Please tell me the narrowness of the road.

Polite request 'oshite kudasai'.

キッチンの狭さが不便です。

The narrowness of the kitchen is inconvenient.

Using 'ga' to mark the subject of an adjective (fuben).

都会の狭さには慣れました。

I got used to the narrowness of the city.

Verb 'nareru' (to get used to) takes the particle 'ni'.

この靴の狭さは問題です。

The narrowness of these shoes is a problem.

Identifying a quality as a 'mondai' (problem).

庭の狭さを利用して花を植える。

I will plant flowers by utilizing the smallness of the garden.

Verb 'riyou suru' (to utilize) with object 'wo'.

世間の狭さを感じたことがありますか。

Have you ever felt how small the world is?

Experience pattern 'V-ta koto ga aru'.

座席の狭さが気になります。

I am bothered by the narrowness of the seat.

Phrase 'ga ki ni naru' (to be bothered by).

日本の住宅の狭さは有名です。

The smallness of Japanese housing is famous.

Stating a general fact using 'wa'.

視野の狭さを克服したいです。

I want to overcome the narrowness of my perspective.

Metaphorical use of 'shiya' (vision/perspective).

道の狭さが原因で事故が起きた。

An accident occurred because of the narrowness of the road.

Using 'ga gen-in de' to show causality.

この部屋の狭さでは、大きな家具は置けない。

With the narrowness of this room, I can't put large furniture.

Conditional context 'dewa' (given that...).

世間の狭さを痛感する出来事があった。

There was an event that made me keenly realize how small the world is.

Verb 'tsuukan suru' (to feel keenly).

入り口の狭さを考えると、搬入は難しい。

Considering the narrowness of the entrance, moving things in is difficult.

V-te form 'wo kangaeru to' (considering...).

駐車場の狭さに苦労している。

I am struggling with the narrowness of the parking lot.

Verb 'kurou suru' (to struggle/have a hard time).

心の狭さを反省しました。

I reflected on the narrowness of my heart (narrow-mindedness).

Abstract usage referring to personality.

その土地の狭さを逆手に取ったデザインだ。

It's a design that turned the narrowness of the plot to its advantage.

Idiom 'sakate ni toru' (to turn to one's advantage).

選択肢の狭さが、若者の可能性を奪っている。

The narrowness of options is robbing young people of their potential.

Abstract use referring to range of choices.

研究範囲の狭さが指摘された。

The narrowness of the research scope was pointed out.

Passive voice 'shiteki sareta'.

舞台の狭さを感じさせない素晴らしい演出だった。

It was a wonderful production that didn't make you feel the smallness of the stage.

Causative form 'kanjisaseru' in the negative.

彼は自分の器の狭さを嘆いている。

He is lamenting the narrowness of his own 'vessel' (capacity/character).

Metaphor 'utsuwa' for character/capacity.

この路地の狭さは、江戸時代の名残だ。

The narrowness of this alley is a remnant of the Edo period.

Historical context 'nagori' (remnant).

家賃の安さは、部屋の狭さと引き換えだ。

The cheap rent is in exchange for the smallness of the room.

Phrase 'to hikikae da' (in exchange for).

専門分野の狭さが、視野を曇らせている。

The narrowness of one's specialization is clouding their vision.

Metaphorical use in academic context.

都市空間の狭さをいかに豊かに暮らすかが問われている。

The question is how to live richly despite the narrowness of urban space.

Grammar 'ika ni ... ka ga towarete iru'.

その政策の視野の狭さは、将来に禍根を残すだろう。

The narrowness of that policy's vision will likely leave seeds of trouble for the future.

Formal term 'kakon wo nokosu' (leave trouble behind).

文学における「狭さ」は、時に密度の濃い美しさを生む。

In literature, 'narrowness' sometimes gives birth to a dense beauty.

Abstract philosophical discussion of a quality.

国土の狭さを補うために、技術開発に力を入れてきた。

To compensate for the narrowness (smallness) of the national territory, we have focused on technological development.

Verb 'oginau' (to compensate/make up for).

人間関係の狭さが、彼を孤独に追い込んでいる。

The narrowness of his social circle is driving him into loneliness.

Causative 'oikonde iru' (driving someone into).

思考の狭さを打破するためには、異文化体験が必要だ。

To break through the narrowness of thought, cross-cultural experiences are necessary.

Verb 'daha suru' (to break down/abolish).

この論文は、議論の狭さが露呈している。

This paper reveals a narrowness in its argument.

Verb 'rotei suru' (to be exposed/revealed).

生活圏の狭さが、彼の世界観を規定してしまっている。

The narrowness of his living sphere has defined his worldview.

Verb 'kitei suru' (to define/prescribe).

存在の狭さを超克せんとする意志が、この作品には漲っている。

A will to overcome the narrowness of existence overflows in this work.

Literary form 'sen to suru' (trying to do).

言説の狭さを看破し、より広範な文脈で捉え直すべきだ。

We should see through the narrowness of the discourse and re-grasp it in a broader context.

Formal verb 'kanpa suru' (to see through).

伝統の狭さに安住することなく、常に革新を求めるべきである。

One should not settle for the narrowness of tradition but always seek innovation.

Phrase 'anjuu suru' (to settle for/be content with).

認識の狭さが、真理への到達を阻んでいると言わざるを得ない。

One cannot help but say that the narrowness of perception is hindering the attainment of truth.

Formal ending 'to iwazaru wo enai'.

美学的な狭さを極めることで、普遍性に達する道もある。

There is also a path to reaching universality by pushing aesthetic narrowness to its limit.

Verb 'kiwameru' (to master/carry to the extreme).

コミュニティの狭さが、同調圧力を生む土壌となっている。

The narrowness of the community serves as the soil that produces peer pressure.

Metaphorical use of 'dojou' (soil/foundation).

制度の狭さに抵触し、彼の活動は制限を余儀なくされた。

Conflicting with the narrowness of the system, his activities were forced to be restricted.

Phrase 'wo yoginaku sareta' (was forced to).

自己の狭さを自覚した時、真の学びが始まる。

True learning begins when one becomes aware of one's own narrowness.

Conditional 'toki' with focus on self-awareness.

Häufige Kollokationen

狭さを感じる

狭さを克服する

狭さに驚く

狭さが気になる

世間の狭さ

視野の狭さ

狭さを嘆く

狭さを補う

道の狭さ

心の狭さ

Häufige Phrasen

世間の狭さ

— The smallness of the world; how interconnected people are.

旅先で友人に会うなんて、世間の狭さを感じる。

視野の狭さ

— Narrowness of vision; a limited perspective or lack of broad-mindedness.

彼の視野の狭さが、チームの足を引っ張っている。

器の狭さ

— Smallness of one's 'vessel'; being petty or having a small capacity for character.

部下の失敗を許せないのは、器の狭さの表れだ。

土地の狭さ

— The smallness of a plot of land or territory.

日本の土地の狭さは、住宅設計に大きな影響を与えている。

部屋の狭さ

— The narrowness or smallness of a room.

部屋の狭さを解消するために、壁に鏡をかけた。

選択肢の狭さ

— A limited range of options or choices.

地方では就職における選択肢の狭さが課題だ。

道の狭さ

— The narrowness of a street or path.

この辺りは道の狭さが、防災上の懸念となっている。

心の狭さ

— Narrow-mindedness; lack of tolerance or generosity.

自分の心の狭さを恥ずかしく思った。

活動範囲の狭さ

— The limited scope of one's activities or movements.

怪我のせいで、活動範囲の狭さを痛感している。

研究分野の狭さ

— The limited focus or scope of a field of study.

研究分野の狭さが、新しい発見を妨げている。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

狭さ vs 狭い (semai)

Semai is an adjective (narrow); semasa is a noun (narrowness).

狭さ vs 窮屈 (kyuukutsu)

Kyuukutsu refers more to the feeling of being cramped or tight.

狭さ vs 幅 (haba)

Haba is the neutral measurement of width.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"世間は狭い"

— It's a small world. Used when meeting someone unexpectedly.

まさかここで会うなんて、世間は狭いですね。

Neutral

"井の中の蛙"

— A frog in a well (knows nothing of the great ocean). Refers to a narrow perspective.

彼は井の中の蛙で、自分の世界の狭さを知らない。

Literary

"針の穴を通るよう"

— Like passing through the eye of a needle. Refers to extreme narrowness or difficulty.

その狭さを通り抜けるのは、針の穴を通るようだ。

Metaphorical

"肩身が狭い"

— To feel small/ashamed. Not using 'semasa' directly but related to the concept of 'narrowness' of presence.

試験に落ちて、家族の中で肩身が狭い。

Common

"額のひろさ"

— Literally 'width of forehead', but often contrasted with 'semasa' to describe intelligence or lack thereof.

額の狭さを気にする必要はない。

Casual

"猫の額"

— As small as a cat's forehead. Used to describe a tiny plot of land.

猫の額ほどの狭さの庭だが、大切にしている。

Idiomatic

"狭き門"

— A narrow gate. Refers to something very difficult to enter (like a top university).

その大学は、大変な狭き門だ。

Common

"身を狭くする"

— To make oneself small; to act humbly or out of shame.

迷惑をかけたので、身を狭くして過ごしている。

Formal

"間口が狭い"

— Narrow frontage. Can also mean a narrow range of interests or customers.

この店は間口が狭いが、奥行きがある。

Technical/Metaphorical

"口が狭い"

— Narrow opening (like a bottle).

この瓶は口が狭くて洗いにくい。

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

狭さ vs 寒さ (samusa)

Sounds similar to 'semasa'.

Samusa means 'coldness' (from samui); semasa means 'narrowness'.

冬の寒さは厳しい (Winter coldness is harsh) vs 部屋の狭さは厳しい (The room's narrowness is harsh).

狭さ vs 凄さ (sugosa)

Ends in '-sa'.

Sugosa means 'greatness/awesomeness'.

彼の凄さを知る (To know his greatness).

狭さ vs 狭める (semameru)

Same root.

Semameru is a verb meaning 'to make narrow'.

範囲を狭める (To narrow the range).

狭さ vs 狭まる (semamaru)

Same root.

Semamaru is a verb meaning 'to become narrow'.

道が狭まる (The road becomes narrow).

狭さ vs 狭義 (kyougi)

Starts with 'kyou' (narrow).

Kyougi means 'narrow sense/definition'.

狭義の意味で使う (Use in the narrow sense).

Satzmuster

Noun + の狭さ + が + Adjective

この部屋の狭さが嫌いです。

Noun + の狭さ + に + Verb (Emotion)

ホテルの狭さに驚きました。

Noun + の狭さ + を + 感じる

都会の狭さを感じます。

Noun + の狭さ + を + 克服する

土地の狭さを克服するデザイン。

Noun + の狭さ + のせいで

道の狭さのせいで、渋滞しています。

Noun + の狭さ + を + 痛感する

世間の狭さを痛感しました。

Noun + の狭さ + と引き換えに

狭さと引き換えに、立地が良い。

Noun + の狭さ + を + 看破する

議論の狭さを看破した。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

狭さ (semasa - narrowness)

狭隘 (kyouai - narrowness/formal)

狭窄 (kyousaku - constriction/medical)

Verben

狭める (semameru - to narrow/contract something)

狭まる (semamaru - to become narrow/contract)

Adjektive

狭い (semai - narrow/small)

手狭な (tezema-na - cramped/small)

Verwandt

幅 (haba - width)

広さ (hirosa - spaciousness)

空間 (kuukan - space)

縮小 (shukushou - reduction)

限定 (gentei - limitation)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in daily life, real estate, and social idioms.

Häufige Fehler

Semasa heya → Semai heya
You cannot use the noun form to modify another noun directly like an adjective.
Heya ga semasa desu. → Heya ga semai desu.
You should use the adjective for a simple predicate describing the subject.
Semai ni odoroku. → Semasa ni odoroku.
The particle 'ni' follows a noun to show the cause of an emotion.
Haba no semasa → Haba no semasa (redundant)
Just say 'michi no semasa'. 'Haba' and 'semasa' both refer to width/narrowness.
Kyuukutsusa for a road. → Semasa for a road.
Kyuukutsusa is for a feeling; roads don't 'feel' cramped, they 'are' narrow.

Tipps

Suffix Mastery

Mastering the '-sa' suffix allows you to expand your vocabulary exponentially. Every i-adjective you know can potentially become a noun.

Space in Japan

Understanding 'semasa' helps you understand Japanese urban life. Space is a precious commodity often discussed.

Set Phrases

Learn 'seken no semasa' as a single unit. It's a very common idiomatic expression.

Objective vs Subjective

Use 'semasa' for the physical dimension and 'kyuukutsusa' for the feeling of being trapped.

Descriptive Writing

In essays, use 'semasa' to describe constraints or limitations of a theory or plan.

Complaining Politely

Use 'semasa' with 'chotto' to politely mention that a space is a bit too small for your needs.

Real Estate Ads

Listen for 'semasa' in apartment walkthrough videos on YouTube to hear natural usage.

Kanji Recognition

The kanji 狭 is also used in 狭山 (Sayama, a place name) and 狭心症 (kyoushinsyou, angina). Recognize the 'narrow' root.

Size

Think: Sema-SA = Small-SIZE. This helps link the suffix to the meaning of degree/scale.

Small World

When you meet someone who knows your friend, say 'Seken wa semai desu ne!' to build rapport.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Semasa' as 'Semi-space'. It's only 'semi' space because it's so narrow!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person trying to fit a large square peg into a very narrow round hole. The 'narrowness' (semasa) is the problem.

Word Web

狭い (semai) 狭さ (semasa) 狭める (semameru) 狭まる (semamaru) 広さ (hirosa) 世間 (seken) 視野 (shiya) 器 (utsuwa)

Herausforderung

Try to describe three things in your house using 'semasa' instead of 'semai'. For example: 'Heya no semasa' or 'Tsukue no semasa'.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the ancient Japanese adjective 'semai'. The root 'sema-' is related to the concept of being pressed or tight.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Physical tightness or lack of space.

Japonic (Yamato Kotoba).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when commenting on the 'semasa' of someone's home, as it can be taken as a criticism of their financial status, even if you mean 'cozy'.

English speakers often use 'small' or 'cramped' as adjectives, but rarely use 'narrowness' as a noun in daily speech. In Japanese, 'semasa' is very common.

Kyoushou Juutaku (Micro-house) architecture movement. The phrase 'Seken wa semai' in countless J-Dramas. Soseki Natsume's literature often touches on the 'narrowness' of the modern soul.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Real Estate

部屋の狭さ
間取りの狭さ
収納の狭さ
土地の狭さ

Social Situations

世間の狭さ
人間関係の狭さ
コミュニティの狭さ
交友関係の狭さ

Travel / Transportation

座席の狭さ
道の狭さ
通路の狭さ
駐車場の狭さ

Personal Character

心の狭さ
器の狭さ
視野の狭さ
考えの狭さ

Design / Engineering

入り口の狭さ
幅の狭さ
隙間の狭さ
範囲の狭さ

Gesprächseinstiege

"日本のマンションの狭さについてどう思いますか？"

"最近、世間の狭さを感じた出来事はありましたか？"

"飛行機の座席の狭さに耐えられますか？"

"自分の視野の狭さを感じたことはありますか？"

"道の狭い街に住むのは好きですか？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、世間の狭さを感じた瞬間を書いてください。

あなたが今まで住んだ中で、一番狭さを感じた場所はどこですか？

自分の「心の狭さ」を反省したエピソードを書いてください。

都会の狭さと田舎の広さ、どちらがあなたに合っていますか？

狭さを克服するための、クリエイティブなアイデアを考えてください。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'semasa' is for physical space or abstract scope. To describe a small person, use 'karada ga chiisai' or 'hikui' for height.

'Haba' is the technical width (e.g., 50cm). 'Semasa' is the quality of being narrow, often implying a limitation or a feeling.

Mostly, yes, but it can be used neutrally in architecture or positively when describing a 'cozy' or 'intimate' space.

You can say 'Seken wa semai' or discuss 'Seken no semasa'.

Most i-adjectives and some na-adjectives can take '-sa' to become nouns, but some sound more natural than others.

It is neutral. It's used in both daily conversation and formal writing.

It means 'narrowness of vision' or 'narrow perspective,' referring to someone who doesn't see the big picture.

No, you must use the adjective: 'semai heya'. You can say 'heya no semasa' (the room's narrowness).

No, for a short time, use 'mijikas' (from mijikai) or more commonly 'jikan ga nai'.

'Kyouaisa' or 'Tezebasa' (for housing) are good formal alternatives.

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