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A2 adjective #1,800 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

狭い

semai Top 1,800

At the A1 level, 'semai' is introduced as a basic descriptive word for physical space. Students learn it alongside its opposite, 'hiroi' (wide/spacious). The focus is on simple sentences describing rooms or houses. For example, 'Kono heya wa semai desu' (This room is small). At this stage, the goal is to distinguish 'semai' from 'chiisai' (small) by associating 'semai' specifically with floor space. Learners are taught the basic present and negative forms: 'semai' and 'semakunai.' The cultural context of small Japanese apartments is often used as a teaching tool to make the word memorable. Exercises usually involve matching pictures of narrow roads or small rooms with the word 'semai.'

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'semai' to include more varied physical contexts and basic abstract meanings. They learn to conjugate it into the past tense ('semakatta') and use it to modify nouns directly ('semai michi'). The concept of 'too narrow' using 'semasugiru' is introduced, which is practical for daily life in Japan. Learners also encounter the common idiom 'Seken wa semai' (The world is small) for the first time. The focus shifts from just 'rooms' to 'roads,' 'gardens,' and 'shops.' Students are expected to use 'semai' in short dialogues, such as discussing why they want to move to a new apartment or describing a trip through narrow old streets.

At the B1 level, the metaphorical and social uses of 'semai' become more prominent. Learners study expressions like 'kokoro ga semai' (narrow-minded/petty) and 'shiya ga semai' (narrow perspective). They begin to understand the nuance of 'semai' in professional contexts, such as describing a 'narrow market' or 'limited range of products.' Grammatically, they use 'semai' in more complex structures, such as 'semakute mo' (even if it's narrow) or 'semaku kanjiru' (to feel narrow). The distinction between 'semai' and 'kyuukutsu' (cramped/uncomfortable) is clarified. Learners are encouraged to use 'semai' to describe social circles and personal experiences, moving beyond purely physical descriptions.

At the B2 level, 'semai' is used with high precision and in more formal or literary contexts. Learners explore the nuances of 'semai' versus technical terms like 'kyousaku' (constriction). They understand how 'semai' can be used to critique academic research (e.g., 'the scope of the study is too narrow'). The word is used in discussions about urban planning, population density, and social psychology. Learners can handle complex sentence patterns where 'semai' is part of a conditional or causative structure. They also learn more sophisticated idioms and proverbs that include the kanji for 'semai,' and they can explain the difference between 'semai' and 'hosoi' in subtle, borderline cases.

At the C1 level, 'semai' is integrated into a deep understanding of Japanese aesthetics and social structures. Learners can discuss the concept of 'narrowness' in traditional architecture (like Machiya houses) and how it influences Japanese behavior and communication styles. They use 'semai' in nuanced literary analysis, identifying how an author uses 'semai' spaces to create tension or intimacy. The word is used fluently in high-level business negotiations to describe niche markets or specific constraints. Learners can also use related formal vocabulary like 'henkyuu' (narrow-mindedness) and understand the historical etymology of the kanji, including its use in classical Japanese texts.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'semai' involves using it with native-level intuition, including its use in wordplay, puns, and highly specific professional jargon. The learner can articulate the philosophical implications of 'semai' in the context of Japan's limited landmass and how it has shaped the national identity. They can use the word in academic writing to describe narrow distributions in statistics or specific constraints in scientific models. At this level, the learner can also distinguish between the various readings and historical uses of the kanji 狭 in obscure compounds and names, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of the word's place in the Japanese linguistic landscape.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

狭い en 30 secondes

Semai is an i-adjective meaning narrow or small in area. It is used for rooms, roads, and spaces where width is limited.
It differs from 'chiisai' (small) because 'semai' focuses on floor space and width rather than overall volume or object size.
Commonly used in real estate to describe apartments and in driving to warn about narrow streets. It also has metaphorical meanings like narrow-minded.
Conjugates as a standard i-adjective: semai (present), semakunai (negative), semakatta (past). Use 'semasugiru' to say something is 'too narrow'.

The Japanese adjective 狭い (semai) is a fundamental descriptor used primarily to indicate that a physical space, area, or width is limited, narrow, or small. While English often uses 'small' as a catch-all term, Japanese distinguishes between chiisai (small in overall size or volume) and semai (small in terms of floor space or width). Understanding this distinction is crucial for achieving natural fluency. The kanji 狭 consists of the 'animal' radical on the left and a phonetic component on the right that suggests being 'pressed between' or 'squeezed.' This visual representation perfectly captures the essence of the word: the feeling of being enclosed or having restricted movement within a boundary.

Physical Dimension: Refers to the lack of width in a path or the lack of square footage in a room. It is the opposite of 広い (hiroi), which means spacious or wide.

この道はとても狭いので、車が通れません。 (This road is very narrow, so cars cannot pass through.)

Beyond physical space, semai extends into abstract concepts. It can describe a limited range of knowledge, a narrow social circle, or a restricted perspective. In the context of the Japanese 'spatial' psyche, semai isn't always negative. While it often implies a sense of being cramped or 'kyuukutsu,' it can also describe the cozy intimacy of a small Japanese tea room or a traditional 'yokocho' (alleyway) where the proximity of people fosters a unique social atmosphere. However, in modern real estate, it is the standard term to describe an apartment that might feel insufficient for one's needs.

Abstract Scope: Used to describe a 'narrow' field of vision (視野が狭い) or a 'small' world (世間が狭い), indicating limited experience or social connections.

In linguistic terms, semai is an i-adjective, meaning it follows standard conjugation patterns. It functions as a predicate (The room is narrow) or an attributive (A narrow room). The word carries a weight of 'constraint.' When you use semai, you are highlighting the boundaries that press in on the subject. In a country like Japan, where land is at a premium and urban centers are densely packed, semai is a word that resonates deeply with daily life, from the width of a parking spot to the size of a studio apartment in Tokyo.

日本のアパートは一般的に狭いと言われています。 (It is generally said that Japanese apartments are small/narrow.)

Social Nuance: In social settings, saying someone has a 'semai' heart (心が狭い) is a common way to describe someone who is narrow-minded, petty, or intolerant.

Using 狭い (semai) correctly involves mastering its conjugation as an i-adjective and understanding the specific nouns it naturally modifies. Because it is an i-adjective, the final 'i' changes to reflect tense, polarity, and grammatical function. For example, to say something 'was narrow,' you change the 'i' to 'katta' (狭かった). To say it is 'not narrow,' you change it to 'kunai' (狭くない). These transformations are the building blocks of descriptive Japanese sentences.

Conjugation Basics: Present: 狭い (semai) | Negative: 狭くない (semakunai) | Past: 狭かった (semakatta) | Past Negative: 狭くなかった (semakunakatta).

以前住んでいた部屋はとても狭かったです。 (The room I lived in before was very small/cramped.)

When modifying a noun directly, semai precedes the noun without any particles: semai michi (narrow road), semai heya (small room). When used as an adverb to describe an action resulting in narrowness, the 'i' changes to 'ku': semaku suru (to make narrow/smaller). This is often used in design or when organizing a space where you might intentionally limit the area. Another common structure is the use of te-form (semakute) to link adjectives: kono heya wa semakute kurai (this room is small and dark).

Adverbial Usage: Use 'semaku' before verbs. Example: 'Semaku kanjiru' (to feel narrow/cramped) or 'Hababa wo semaku suru' (to narrow the width).

In polite speech, simply add 'desu' after the dictionary form: semai desu. In casual speech, the 'desu' is dropped. When asking a question, you can add 'no?' or 'dai?' in casual settings, or 'desu ka?' in polite ones. It's also important to note the contrast with hosoi (thin). While a road can be semai (narrow), a needle or a person's legs are hosoi (thin). If you use semai for a person's legs, it sounds like the space between them is narrow, which is grammatically possible but likely not what you mean.

このキッチンは二人で使うには狭すぎます。 (This kitchen is too small for two people to use.)

Comparative Use: Use 'yori' for comparisons: 'A-san no heya wa B-san no heya yori semai' (Person A's room is smaller than Person B's room).

You will encounter 狭い (semai) in a variety of everyday Japanese contexts, ranging from mundane logistical observations to deep social commentary. One of the most frequent places is in the world of real estate and housing. In Japan, where living space is often limited, especially in cities like Tokyo or Osaka, the word semai is a constant topic of conversation. You'll hear it in apartment hunting videos, during house tours, or when friends visit a new home. It's often used with a sense of resignation or as a humble way to describe one's own living quarters (Uchi wa semai desu kara...).

Real Estate & Housing: Commonly heard in phrases like 'heya ga semai' (the room is small) or 'shuunou ga semai' (the storage space is limited).

「このアパート、家賃は安いけどちょっと狭いね。」 (This apartment has cheap rent, but it's a bit small, isn't it?)

Another very common context is driving and navigation. Japan is famous for its extremely narrow residential streets, often called 'roji.' If you are using a GPS or driving with a Japanese companion, you will frequently hear warnings like 'michi ga semai node chuui shite kudasai' (the road is narrow, so please be careful). In these situations, semai is a practical warning about physical constraints that could lead to an accident or getting a car stuck. It's also used in parking lots to describe tight spaces.

Transportation & Driving: Used to describe narrow roads (狭い道), tight parking spots (狭い駐車場), or crowded trains where the personal space is limited.

In social and metaphorical contexts, semai appears in the common idiom 'seken wa semai' (the world is small). You'll hear this when two people discover they have a mutual acquaintance or when a secret gets out quickly. It's also used in professional settings to describe a 'narrow' market or a 'narrow' field of expertise. If someone says their 'shiya' (field of vision/perspective) is semai, they are admitting to being narrow-minded or having a limited viewpoint. This metaphorical usage is high-frequency in both business and personal growth discussions.

「えっ、彼を知っているの？本当に世間は狭いね！」 (What, you know him? The world really is small!)

Metaphorical Use: Refers to narrow-mindedness (心が狭い), limited social circles (交友関係が狭い), or limited knowledge (知識の範囲が狭い).

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 狭い (semai) with chiisai (small). While they both translate to 'small' in many English contexts, their usage in Japanese is distinct. Chiisai refers to the overall size, volume, or scale of an object (a small cat, a small voice, a small problem). Semai specifically refers to the area, floor space, or width. For example, you would never say 'semai neko' for a small cat; you must say 'chiisai neko.' Conversely, while you can say 'chiisai heya' (a small room), 'semai heya' is much more common when focusing on the lack of floor space.

Semai vs. Chiisai: Use 'semai' for area/width (rooms, roads, gardens). Use 'chiisai' for volume/size (objects, animals, abstract concepts like 'voice').

❌ この靴は狭いです。 (Incorrect for 'these shoes are small')
✅ この靴は小さいです。 (Correct)

Another common mistake involves clothing and fit. If a piece of clothing is too tight, learners often reach for semai. However, the correct word for 'tight' or 'cramped' in terms of fit is kyuukutsu (窮屈) or simply saying the size is chiisai. Semai is not used for the fit of a shirt or pants. Similarly, for long, thin objects like a pencil or a finger, the correct word is hosoi (thin), not semai. Using semai for a person's body parts sounds very unnatural and confusing to native speakers.

Semai vs. Hosoi: Use 'hosoi' for thin/slender objects (legs, pencils, lines). Use 'semai' for the width of a space (roads, corridors).

Finally, be careful with the metaphorical use of 'narrow-minded.' While kokoro ga semai (narrow heart) is a valid expression, it is quite strong and can be insulting. If you want to say someone is 'strict' or 'serious,' semai is not the word. Also, remember that semai is an i-adjective. A common grammatical error is treating it like a na-adjective (e.g., saying 'semai na heya' instead of 'semai heya'). Always ensure you are following the correct conjugation rules for i-adjectives to avoid sounding like a beginner.

❌ 狭いな道 (Incorrect)
✅ 狭い道 (Correct)

Grammar Pitfall: Never use 'na' with 'semai.' It is an i-adjective and modifies nouns directly.

To truly master 狭い (semai), it's helpful to compare it with other words that describe size, width, or restriction. The most obvious comparison is with its antonym, hiroi (広い), which means wide or spacious. However, within the realm of 'smallness,' there are several nuances. Chiisai (小さい) is the most general term for 'small.' While a room can be both chiisai and semai, a diamond can only be chiisai. Semai focuses on the lack of lateral space or the feeling of being squeezed.

Semai vs. Chiisai: Semai = Narrow/Cramped (area-focused). Chiisai = Small (volume/scale-focused).
Semai vs. Hosoi: Semai = Narrow space (roads, rooms). Hosoi = Thin/Slender objects (lines, legs, fingers).

このネクタイは細いですが、この廊下は狭いです。 (This tie is thin, but this hallway is narrow.)

Another related word is kyuukutsu (窮屈), which describes a feeling of being physically or mentally cramped. While semai is an objective description of space, kyuukutsu often describes the subjective discomfort of that space. For example, a room might be semai, and as a result, you feel kyuukutsu. Kyuukutsu is also used for tight shoes or a stiff social atmosphere. Then there is wazuka (僅か), which means 'only a little' or 'slight,' often used for small amounts or narrow margins, but not for physical width.

Semai vs. Kyuukutsu: Semai = Objective narrowness. Kyuukutsu = Subjective feeling of being cramped or restricted.

Lastly, consider gentei-teki (限定的), which means 'limited.' While semai can mean limited in scope (like knowledge), gentei-teki is more formal and used for things like 'limited time offers' or 'limited authority.' Understanding these synonyms and near-synonyms allows you to choose the most precise word for the situation. If you are talking about a narrow-minded person, kokoro ga semai is common, but henkyuu (偏狭) is a more literary and intense way to say 'bigoted' or 'narrow-minded.'

彼の考え方は少し偏狭かもしれません。 (His way of thinking might be a bit narrow-minded/bigoted.)

Antonyms: 広い (hiroi - wide/spacious), 太い (futoi - thick), 寛大な (kandai-na - generous/broad-minded).

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

この部屋は狭いです。

This room is small/narrow.

Simple predicate use of i-adjective.

狭い道ですね。

It's a narrow road, isn't it?

Modifying a noun directly.

私の家は狭くないです。

My house is not small.

Negative form of i-adjective.

狭い庭があります。

There is a small garden.

Adjective + Noun + Particle 'ga'.

ここはとても狭いです。

This place is very narrow.

Use of 'totemo' as an intensifier.

狭いベッドで寝ました。

I slept in a narrow bed.

Past tense verb with adjective-modified noun.

その店は狭いですが、いいです。

That shop is small, but it's good.

Using 'ga' to connect contrasting clauses.

狭い机で勉強します。

I study at a small desk.

Adjective modifying the instrument of action.

この道は狭すぎて、車が通れません。

This road is too narrow, so cars can't pass.

Stem + sugiru (too much).

昨日泊まったホテルは狭かったです。

The hotel I stayed at yesterday was small.

Past tense 'katta'.

もっと広い部屋がいいです。ここは狭すぎます。

A wider room would be better. This place is too small.

Comparison and 'sugiru'.

世間は狭いですね！また会いましたね。

The world is small, isn't it! We met again.

Common idiom 'seken wa semai'.

狭いアパートに住んでいます。

I live in a small apartment.

Standard attributive use.

このキッチンは狭くて使いにくいです。

This kitchen is small and hard to use.

Te-form for linking adjectives.

道が狭くなったので、ゆっくり歩きました。

The road became narrow, so I walked slowly.

Adverbial 'ku' + naru (to become).

狭い範囲で探してください。

Please search within a narrow range.

Abstract use of 'range'.

彼は心が狭いので、すぐに怒ります。

He is narrow-minded, so he gets angry easily.

Metaphorical use for personality.

視野を広く持たないと、考え方が狭くなります。

If you don't have a broad perspective, your way of thinking becomes narrow.

Abstract use with 'shiya' (perspective).

この市場は狭いですが、競争が激しいです。

This market is narrow (niche), but the competition is fierce.

Business context for 'niche'.

交友関係が狭いので、友達が少ないです。

My social circle is narrow, so I have few friends.

Describing social reach.

部屋が狭くても、工夫すれば快適に住めます。

Even if the room is small, you can live comfortably if you are creative.

Concessive form 'kute mo'.

選択肢が狭まってきました。

The options have narrowed down.

Intransitive verb 'semamaru' derived from 'semai'.

専門分野が狭すぎると、他の仕事が探せません。

If your field of expertise is too narrow, you can't find other jobs.

Abstract 'field' context.

狭い門を通り抜けるのは大変です。

Passing through a narrow gate is difficult.

Literal and potentially metaphorical (e.g., competitive exam).

日本は国土が狭いため、地価が非常に高いです。

Because Japan's land area is small, land prices are extremely high.

Formal cause-effect using 'tame'.

彼の知識は特定の分野に限られており、非常に狭い。

His knowledge is limited to a specific field and is very narrow.

Formal descriptive sentence.

ストライクゾーンが狭い審判は、投手にとって厳しい。

An umpire with a narrow strike zone is tough on pitchers.

Technical sports context.

狭いコミュニティの中では、噂がすぐに広まる。

In a tight-knit (narrow) community, rumors spread quickly.

Social context.

その議論は範囲が狭すぎて、本質を突いていない。

That discussion is too narrow in scope and doesn't hit the essence.

Critical academic/professional tone.

肩身の狭い思いをさせてしまって、申し訳ない。

I'm sorry for making you feel small/ashamed.

Idiom 'katami ga semai' (feeling small/ashamed).

道幅を狭くすることで、車の速度を抑制する。

By narrowing the road width, we suppress car speeds.

Causative/Intentional action.

狭い見識に基づいた判断は危険だ。

Decisions based on narrow insight are dangerous.

Formal noun modification.

都市部における居住空間の狭小化が社会問題となっている。

The narrowing (shrinking) of living spaces in urban areas is becoming a social issue.

Use of the compound 'kyoushou-ka' (narrowing/shrinking).

彼は偏狭なナショナリズムを批判した。

He criticized narrow-minded nationalism.

Formal adjective 'henkyuu-na'.

この論文は、分析の対象が狭すぎるきらいがある。

This paper has a tendency for its analysis target to be too narrow.

Advanced expression 'kirai ga aru' (tendency towards something negative).

路地裏の狭い空間に、江戸の情緒が残っている。

In the narrow spaces of the back alleys, the atmosphere of Edo remains.

Literary/Descriptive style.

官僚的な狭い了見では、この革新的なアイデアは理解できない。

With a narrow bureaucratic mindset, this innovative idea cannot be understood.

Advanced vocabulary 'ryouken' (mindset/intent).

脊柱管狭窄症の診断を受け、手術を検討している。

I was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis and am considering surgery.

Medical term 'kyousaku-shou'.

狭いニッチ市場を独占することで、高い利益率を維持している。

By monopolizing a narrow niche market, they maintain a high profit margin.

Economic/Business strategy context.

その作家は、狭い室内劇という形式で人間の深淵を描いた。

The author depicted the abyss of humanity in the form of a narrow indoor play.

Literary criticism.

言語の壁によって、我々の認識の地平が狭められている。

The horizon of our perception is being narrowed by language barriers.

Passive form 'semamerareru' (to be narrowed).

その政策は、結果として国民の選択の幅を狭めることになった。

That policy resulted in narrowing the range of choices for the citizens.

Transitive verb 'semameru' (to narrow).

狭隘な土地にひしめき合うように家々が建っている。

Houses are built as if huddling together on the narrow/confined land.

Formal literary word 'kyouai-na'.

学問の徒として、狭い門より入れという教えを胸に刻んでいる。

As a student of academia, I keep the teaching 'enter through the narrow gate' in my heart.

Biblical/Philosophical allusion.

データの標本数が少なすぎて、統計的な推論の幅が狭い。

The number of data samples is too small, so the range of statistical inference is narrow.

Scientific/Statistical context.

狭義の意味では、この単語は別の事象を指す。

In the narrow sense, this word refers to a different phenomenon.

Academic term 'kyougi' (narrow sense).

彼女の音楽性は、ジャンルの枠に捉われない広がりを見せる一方で、その精神性は極めて狭く深い。

While her musicality shows an expansion that is not bound by genre, her spirituality is extremely narrow and deep.

Complex philosophical contrast.

都会の喧騒を離れ、狭い庵で静かに余生を過ごしたい。

I want to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and spend the rest of my life quietly in a small hermitage.

Archaic/Poetic context.

Collocations courantes

狭い道 (semai michi) - narrow road

狭い部屋 (semai heya) - small room

視野が狭い (shiya ga semai) - narrow perspective

心が狭い (kokoro ga semai) - narrow-minded

世間は狭い (seken wa semai) - the world is small

範囲が狭い (han'i ga semai) - narrow range

門が狭い (mon ga semai) - narrow gate/competitive

道幅が狭い (michihaba ga semai) - road width is narrow

肩身が狭い (katami ga semai) - feeling small/ashamed

交友関係が狭い (kouyuu kankei ga semai) - narrow social circle

Phrases Courantes

狭いながらも楽しい我が家 (Semai nagara mo tanoshii wagaya) - Home sweet home, however small.

ストライクゾーンが狭い (Sutoraiku zoon ga semai) - To have a narrow strike zone / To be picky.

口が狭い (Kuchi ga semai) - Narrow opening (of a bottle/jar).

間隔が狭い (Kankaku ga semai) - Narrow intervals/gaps.

額が狭い (Hitai ga semai) - Narrow forehead.

見識が狭い (Kenshiki ga semai) - Narrow insight.

幅が狭い (Haba ga semai) - Narrow width.

土地が狭い (Tochi ga semai) - Land is small.

入り口が狭い (Iriguchi ga semai) - Entrance is narrow.

守備範囲が狭い (Shubi han'i ga semai) - Narrow defensive range (sports).

Souvent confondu avec

狭い vs 小さい (chiisai) - small (volume/size)

狭い vs 細い (hosoi) - thin (long objects)

狭い vs 短い (mijikai) - short (length/time)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

狭い vs 細い (hosoi)

Hosoi is for 1D/2D thinness (like a line or a leg). Semai is for 2D/3D space (like a room).

狭い vs 窮屈 (kyuukutsu)

Semai is the physical fact. Kyuukutsu is the uncomfortable feeling caused by it.

狭い vs 低い (hikui)

Hikui is for height. Semai is for width/area.

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

subjectivity

What is 'semai' to one person might be 'futsuu' (normal) to another, especially in Japan.

physical limit

Only use for area/width. Not for height, weight, or shoe size.

Erreurs courantes

Astuces

Think in 2D

When deciding between 'semai' and 'chiisai,' think about whether you are talking about floor space. If you are looking at a map or a floor plan, 'semai' is almost always the right choice. It describes the 'narrowness' between boundaries.

The 'Ku' Transformation

To use 'semai' with a verb, change it to 'semaku.' For example, 'semaku naru' (to become narrow). This is essential for describing changes in your environment, like when a road narrows ahead or a room gets crowded.

Humble Space

Japanese people often use 'semai' to describe their own homes as a form of modesty. Even if their house is average size, they might say 'Uchi wa semai desu ga...' when inviting you. It's a way to manage expectations and show humility.

Road Safety

In Japan, 'semai michi' (narrow roads) are everywhere. If you see a sign with the kanji 狭, it's a warning. Learning this word is a safety requirement for anyone planning to drive or cycle in residential Japanese neighborhoods.

Small World Surprise

Use 'Seken wa semai desu ne!' whenever you find a mutual friend with someone. It's a great conversation filler and makes you sound very natural. It's one of the most common idioms used by native speakers in social settings.

Semai vs. Hosoi

Remember: 'Semai' is for spaces you can enter or walk through (roads, rooms). 'Hosoi' is for objects you can hold or look at (pencils, legs, string). You walk down a 'semai' street, but you write with a 'hosoi' pen.

Heart Size

Describing someone as 'kokoro ga semai' is a serious critique. It means they lack generosity or are easily offended. Use it carefully, as it's much more personal than just saying someone is 'strict' (kibishii).

Visual Mnemonics

The kanji 狭 has the 'animal' radical. Imagine a dog (犭) squeezed between two narrow walls (夾). This visual can help you remember both the meaning and the kanji structure simultaneously.

Apartment Hunting

When looking at Japanese apartment listings, 'semai' is the word you'll use to tell the agent the place isn't big enough. 'Chotto semai desu ne' (It's a bit small/narrow) is the standard polite way to reject a tiny room.

Niche Markets

In business, 'semai' describes a niche. If you want to say a market is very specialized, you can call it a 'semai maaketto.' This shows you understand how to apply physical descriptors to abstract economic concepts.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Japanese apartments are measured in 'jo' (tatami mats). A 6-jo room is often considered 'semai' by Western standards but standard in Tokyo.

When inviting someone to a small home, it's polite to apologize by saying 'Semai desu ga...' (It's small, but [please come in]).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"あなたの部屋は広いですか、それとも狭いですか？ (Is your room spacious or small?)"

"日本で一番狭い道を見たことがありますか？ (Have you ever seen the narrowest road in Japan?)"

"「世間は狭い」と思った経験はありますか？ (Have you ever had a 'small world' experience?)"

"狭い部屋を広く見せるコツは何ですか？ (What are tips to make a small room look wider?)"

"心が狭い人とどうやって付き合いますか？ (How do you deal with narrow-minded people?)"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe your first apartment. Was it 'semai'?

Write about a time you met someone in an unexpected place (Seken wa semai).

What are the pros and cons of living in a 'semai' city?

Reflect on a time you felt your own 'shiya' (perspective) was too 'semai'.

Describe a narrow street in your hometown.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you cannot use 'semai' for a person's physical size. If a person is small in stature, use 'chiisai' or 'se ga hikui' (short height). Using 'semai' for a person would be nonsensical in Japanese unless you are talking about their 'narrow' heart or perspective. Always stick to 'chiisai' for living beings' sizes.

'Semai heya' specifically emphasizes that the floor space is limited or the walls feel close together. 'Chiisai heya' is a more general term for a small room. In most cases, they are interchangeable for rooms, but 'semai' is more common when you feel the space is insufficient or cramped. 'Semai' is the preferred word in real estate.

The standard phrase is 'Seken wa semai' (世間は狭い). You can also say 'Sekai wa semai,' but 'seken' (the world of people/society) is much more idiomatic when you bump into someone you know. It is used exactly like the English expression 'It's a small world!' to express surprise at a coincidence.

While 'semai' often implies a lack of space, it isn't always negative. In some contexts, like traditional tea rooms or cozy bars, the 'semai' nature is part of the charm and intimacy. However, in daily conversation, it's usually a neutral observation or a slight complaint about having too little room for one's belongings or movement.

No, 'semai' is not used for clothing fit. If your clothes are too small, use 'chiisai.' If they feel tight or restrictive, use 'kyuukutsu.' For example, 'Kono shatsu wa kyuukutsu desu' (This shirt is tight/cramped). Using 'semai' for a shirt would sound like you are talking about the width of the fabric in a strange way.

The direct opposite is 'hiroi' (広い), which means wide, spacious, or broad. Just as 'semai' is used for rooms and roads, 'hiroi' is used for the same. 'Hiroi heya' is a spacious room, and 'hiroi michi' is a wide road. For abstract uses, 'shiya ga hiroi' means having a broad perspective.

Since 'semai' is an i-adjective, you drop the final 'i' and add 'katta.' So, 'semai' becomes 'semakatta.' For example, 'Kinoo no mise wa semakatta' (Yesterday's shop was small). To make it polite, add 'desu': 'semakatta desu.' This follows the standard pattern for all i-adjectives in Japanese.

While 'semai' means narrow, it's not usually used for time margins. Instead, words like 'wazuka' (slight) or 'kinpaku' (close/tight) are used. However, you might hear 'sa ga semai' (the gap is narrow) in some sports contexts, though 'sa ga chiisai' (the difference is small) is more common for numerical differences.

'Katami ga semai' is a very common idiom that literally means 'one's shoulders/body feels narrow.' It translates to feeling small, ashamed, or out of place because of one's actions or situation. For example, if you fail an exam everyone else passed, you might feel 'katami ga semai' when talking to your friends.

Yes, the noun form is 'semasa' (狭さ), which means 'narrowness' or 'smallness of area.' You create this by replacing the final 'i' with 'sa.' For example, 'Heya no semasa ga mondai desu' (The smallness of the room is a problem). This is used when you want to talk about the quality of being narrow as a subject.