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A1 adjective #2,311 よく出る 9分で読める

narrow

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解説 narrow in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'narrow' is a simple word used to describe physical things. It means something is not wide. You use it for roads, beds, or doors. For example, 'The road is narrow.' It helps you describe the world around you. You might learn it alongside 'big', 'small', 'wide', and 'long'. It is an important word for giving directions or describing your house. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the abstract meanings. Just think about the distance between two sides. If the distance is small, the thing is narrow. It is a basic building block for your descriptive vocabulary. You will see it in simple stories and beginner textbooks. Practice by looking at objects in your room and deciding if they are narrow or wide. A pencil is narrow; a table is usually wide. A bookshelf might be narrow; a bed might be wide. This simple contrast helps you remember the word easily.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'narrow' in more varied physical contexts and begin to see it in common phrases. You might describe a 'narrow street' in a city or a 'narrow path' in a park. You also learn the comparative form 'narrower'. For example, 'This path is narrower than the other one.' You might also encounter the word in the context of clothing, like 'narrow shoes'. At this level, you are becoming more comfortable with adjectives and using them to provide more detail in your descriptions. You might also hear the phrase 'narrow escape,' though you might not use it yourself yet. You understand that 'narrow' is the opposite of 'wide' and can use it to describe many different objects. It's also a good time to start noticing how 'narrow' is used in simple stories to create a sense of place or difficulty, such as a character trying to fit through a narrow opening.
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At the B1 level, you move beyond just physical descriptions. You start using 'narrow' to describe abstract things like interests, focus, or margins. You might say, 'He has a narrow range of hobbies,' or 'The team won by a narrow margin.' You also learn the phrasal verb 'narrow down'. This is very useful for talking about making decisions, like 'We need to narrow down the list of candidates.' You are now able to use 'narrow' to express more complex ideas about limitation and precision. You might also encounter the word 'narrow-minded' to describe someone who doesn't like new ideas. This level is about expanding the word's utility from the physical world to the world of ideas and actions. You can use 'narrowly' as an adverb, such as 'He narrowly missed the bus,' which is a common way to describe a close call. Your understanding of the word becomes more nuanced as you see it used in news reports and more detailed texts.
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At the B2 level, you use 'narrow' with confidence in both formal and informal settings. You understand the subtle differences between 'narrow', 'thin', and 'slender'. You can use 'narrow' in academic or professional contexts, such as 'narrowing the scope of a project' or 'a narrow interpretation of the law'. You are familiar with collocations like 'narrow majority', 'narrow victory', and 'narrow focus'. You can use the word to add precision to your writing and speaking. For example, instead of saying 'The difference was small,' you might say 'The margin was narrow.' This makes your English sound more natural and sophisticated. You also understand the negative connotations of 'narrow-minded' and can use it appropriately in discussions about social issues or personality. You are able to follow complex arguments where 'narrow' is used to define limits or boundaries in logic or research.
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At the C1 level, you appreciate the stylistic nuances of 'narrow'. You can use it to create specific atmospheres in creative writing or to provide exact definitions in technical writing. You might use words like 'constricted' or 'parochial' as more specific alternatives to 'narrow' depending on the context. You understand idiomatic expressions and can use them naturally, such as 'the straight and narrow' (meaning a morally upright life). You are aware of how 'narrow' can be used to critique an argument, such as 'Your analysis is too narrow and ignores key factors.' You can use the verb 'narrow' in various tenses and structures to describe processes of elimination or refinement. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you choose 'narrow' specifically for its connotations of precision or restriction, and you can explain these choices to others. You are comfortable reading high-level literature and academic papers where 'narrow' is used in highly specialized ways.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'narrow' is complete. You use it with total precision and can exploit its full range of metaphorical and literal meanings. You might use it in a philosophical sense to discuss the 'narrowness of human perception' or in a highly technical legal sense to discuss a 'narrow construction of a statute'. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its meaning has evolved. You can use 'narrow' to create subtle irony or emphasis in your speech and writing. You are also aware of very rare or specialized idioms and can use them correctly. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can effortlessly switch between the physical, abstract, and technical senses of the word, choosing the exact form and placement to achieve the desired rhetorical effect. You might even use 'narrow' as a noun in very specific technical contexts if applicable, showing a deep and flexible understanding of English morphology.
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narrow 30秒で

  • Narrow describes things with small width, like thin paths or tight spaces.
  • It is the opposite of wide and can be used for physical and abstract things.
  • As a verb, 'narrow' means to reduce options or make something less wide.
  • Common phrases include 'narrow margin', 'narrow escape', and 'narrow-minded'.

The word narrow is a fundamental adjective in the English language, primarily used to describe the physical dimensions of an object or space. At its most basic level, it refers to something that has a very small distance from one side to the other. Imagine a hallway where you can touch both walls at the same time by extending your arms; that hallway is narrow. It is the direct opposite of 'wide' or 'broad'. While we often start learning this word to describe physical things like roads, paths, or doorways, its utility extends far beyond the physical realm into abstract concepts, measurements, and even personality traits.

Physical Dimension
A measurement indicating a limited width relative to length or expected size.
Abstract Scope
A limited range of activities, interests, or ideas.
Numerical Margin
A very small difference in scores, votes, or amounts.

"The car struggled to pass through the narrow alleyway between the two old buildings."

In a physical sense, 'narrow' suggests a constraint. It often implies that movement is restricted or that precision is required to navigate the space. For example, a narrow bridge might only allow one car to pass at a time. This sense of restriction carries over into how we use the word to describe non-physical things. If someone has a 'narrow' range of interests, it means they only care about a few specific things and aren't interested in exploring a wider variety of topics. This isn't necessarily negative—a 'narrow focus' in research can lead to great expertise—but it always implies a limitation of scope.

"She won the election by a narrow margin of only fifty votes."

Furthermore, 'narrow' is frequently used in competitive contexts. When we talk about a 'narrow victory' or a 'narrow escape,' we are highlighting how close the alternative outcome was. A narrow victory means you almost lost; a narrow escape means you were almost caught or hurt. This usage emphasizes the thin line between success and failure. In the context of vision or perspective, 'narrow' can describe a limited viewpoint, often leading to the common compound adjective 'narrow-minded,' which describes someone unwilling to consider different ideas or people.

"The hikers followed a narrow trail that wound up the side of the steep mountain."

Synonym Note
'Thin' is for objects (a thin book), while 'narrow' is for spaces or widths (a narrow street).

"The search was narrowed down to three main suspects after the initial investigation."

"The river becomes quite narrow as it flows through the rocky canyon."

Using 'narrow' correctly requires understanding whether you are describing a physical space, a quantity, or an abstract concept. As an adjective, it usually precedes the noun it modifies or follows a linking verb like 'is' or 'became'. When describing physical objects, it is essential to distinguish 'narrow' from 'thin'. Use 'narrow' for paths, roads, gaps, and openings. For example, 'The doorway is too narrow for the sofa.' You wouldn't say 'The doorway is too thin,' as 'thin' usually refers to the depth of a material or the body shape of a person.

Adjective Placement
Before the noun: 'A narrow street.' After the verb: 'The street is narrow.'
Comparative Forms
Narrower (more narrow) and narrowest (most narrow).

In more advanced usage, 'narrow' acts as a verb. To 'narrow something down' is a very common phrasal verb used when you have many options and you want to reduce them to a smaller, more manageable number. For instance, 'We need to narrow down our choices for the holiday destination.' This is a vital skill in both academic and professional English, where decision-making processes often involve filtering out less relevant data or options. You can also 'narrow the gap,' which means to reduce the difference between two things, such as the scores in a game or the wealth inequality between two groups.

"By focusing on specific keywords, we can narrow our search results significantly."

When using 'narrow' to describe people's attitudes, be careful with the tone. Calling someone 'narrow-minded' is generally an insult, suggesting they are prejudiced or stubborn. However, saying someone has a 'narrow focus' can be a compliment, implying they are very disciplined and specialized. Context is key. In technical writing, 'narrow' is used precisely to define tolerances or ranges. A 'narrow range of temperatures' means the environment is very stable. In sports, a 'narrow lead' creates tension, indicating that the game is still very much undecided.

"The scientist took a narrow view of the problem, ignoring the social implications."

You will encounter the word 'narrow' in a variety of everyday and specialized settings. In travel and navigation, GPS systems or travel guides often warn about 'narrow roads' or 'narrow passages,' especially in older European cities or mountainous regions. Pilots and ship captains use the term to describe restricted channels or runways. If you are shopping for clothes, you might see 'narrow fit' shoes or trousers, designed for people with slimmer builds. In these contexts, the word is purely descriptive and functional.

"Warning: Narrow lanes ahead. Reduce speed and stay alert."

In the news and media, 'narrow' is a favorite for political commentators and sports journalists. You will frequently hear about a 'narrow majority' in parliament or a 'narrow victory' on the football field. These phrases add drama to the reporting, emphasizing how close the contest was. In business news, analysts might discuss a 'narrowing profit margin,' which is a warning sign that a company's costs are rising relative to its income. In academic lectures, professors might ask students to 'narrow the scope' of their thesis to ensure the research is deep rather than superficial.

News Headlines
'Candidate Wins by Narrow Margin', 'Narrow Escape for Residents in Fire'.
Academic Context
'The study has a narrow focus on urban ecosystems.'

In literature and film, 'narrow' is often used to create a sense of claustrophobia or tension. A character might be trapped in a 'narrow crawlspace' or walking down a 'narrow, dimly lit street.' Metaphorically, a character might be described as having a 'narrow existence,' suggesting their life is small, repetitive, and lacking in excitement or opportunity. This poetic use of the word helps to build atmosphere and character depth. Even in medical contexts, you might hear about 'narrowing of the arteries' (stenosis), which is a serious health condition requiring attention.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'narrow' with 'thin'. While they both relate to small dimensions, they are not interchangeable. 'Thin' is used for the thickness of a material (a thin slice of bread) or a person's body. 'Narrow' is used for the width of a space or surface (a narrow bed). You would never say 'a thin road' because a road has a surface area we travel across; it is 'narrow'. Conversely, you wouldn't say 'a narrow piece of paper' if you are talking about its thickness; you would say 'a thin piece of paper'. However, you *could* say 'a narrow strip of paper' if you are talking about its width.

"Incorrect: The hallway is very thin. Correct: The hallway is very narrow."

Another common error involves the comparative form. While 'narrower' is the standard comparative, some learners mistakenly use 'more narrow'. While 'more narrow' is technically acceptable in some contexts, 'narrower' is much more common and sounds more natural to native speakers. Similarly, 'narrowest' is preferred over 'most narrow'. Another point of confusion is the use of 'narrow' versus 'small'. 'Small' is a general term for size, while 'narrow' specifically refers to width. A room can be large in terms of area but still be 'narrow' if it is very long and not very wide.

Narrow vs. Small
'Small' is overall size; 'Narrow' is specifically side-to-side distance.
Narrow vs. Tight
'Tight' often implies pressure or lack of room to move (tight shoes), whereas 'narrow' is just a measurement.

Learners also struggle with the metaphorical use of 'narrow'. For example, 'narrow-minded' is a compound adjective and should not be split into 'narrow mind' when used as a description of a person's character (e.g., 'He is narrow-minded' vs 'He has a narrow mind'). Also, when using the verb 'narrow down,' don't forget the 'down'. Saying 'I need to narrow my options' is okay, but 'I need to narrow down my options' is the idiomatic phrasal verb that native speakers use most frequently in daily conversation.

Understanding words similar to 'narrow' helps you choose the most precise term for your context. Slender and slim are often used as positive synonyms for narrow, especially when describing people or elegant objects. A 'slender' tower sounds more graceful than a 'narrow' tower. Cramped and confined are synonyms used when the narrowness is uncomfortable or restrictive. If a room is 'cramped,' it's not just narrow; it's too small for the people or things inside it. Restricted and limited are excellent synonyms for the abstract uses of narrow, such as 'a restricted range of motion' or 'limited opportunities'.

Slender
Gracefully thin or narrow (e.g., slender fingers).
Cramped
Uncomfortably small or narrow (e.g., a cramped office).
Tapered
Becoming gradually narrower toward one end (e.g., tapered trousers).

In more technical or formal contexts, you might use constricted. This word often implies that something has been made narrow by pressure, such as 'constricted blood vessels'. Linear is another related word, used to describe something that follows a narrow line. When talking about views or opinions, parochial or insular are more advanced synonyms for 'narrow-minded,' suggesting a lack of exposure to the outside world. Specific can sometimes replace 'narrow' when talking about focus, as in 'a very specific area of study'.

"The path tapers as it reaches the edge of the cliff, becoming extremely narrow."

On the opposite side, the most common antonym is wide. Other opposites include broad, spacious, and comprehensive. 'Broad' is often used for physical width (broad shoulders) and abstract scope (a broad range of topics). 'Spacious' is used for rooms or areas that have plenty of room. 'Comprehensive' is the opposite of a 'narrow' study, meaning it covers everything. By learning these synonyms and antonyms, you can vary your vocabulary and describe the world with much greater detail and nuance.

How Formal Is It?

難易度

知っておくべき文法

Adjective order (size before color).

Comparative and superlative formation.

Phrasal verb structure (verb + particle).

Compound adjectives (hyphenation).

Adverb formation from adjectives.

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レベル別の例文

1

The road is very narrow.

La route est très étroite.

Simple adjective use after 'is'.

2

I have a narrow bed.

J'ai un lit étroit.

Adjective before a noun.

3

The door is narrow.

La porte est étroite.

Describing a physical opening.

4

This path is narrow.

Ce chemin est étroit.

Using 'this' to point to a specific object.

5

The river is narrow here.

La rivière est étroite ici.

Describing a natural feature.

6

Is the box narrow?

La boîte est-elle étroite ?

Question form.

7

The hallway is narrow and long.

Le couloir est étroit et long.

Using two adjectives together.

8

It is a narrow street.

C'est une rue étroite.

Adjective in a basic 'It is' sentence.

1

This street is narrower than the main road.

Cette rue est plus étroite que la route principale.

Comparative form 'narrower'.

2

He wears narrow shoes.

Il porte des chaussures étroites.

Describing clothing fit.

3

The car is too wide for this narrow bridge.

La voiture est trop large pour ce pont étroit.

Contrast between 'wide' and 'narrow'.

4

We walked through a narrow opening in the fence.

Nous avons traversé une étroite ouverture dans la clôture.

Using 'through' with 'narrow'.

5

The stairs are very narrow and steep.

L'escalier est très étroit et raide.

Describing architectural features.

6

She has a narrow face.

Elle a un visage étroit.

Describing physical appearance.

7

The boat passed through the narrow channel.

Le bateau est passé par le canal étroit.

Past tense verb with 'narrow'.

8

The narrowest part of the river is over there.

La partie la plus étroite de la rivière est là-bas.

Superlative form 'narrowest'.

1

We need to narrow down our options for the trip.

Nous devons réduire nos options pour le voyage.

Phrasal verb 'narrow down'.

2

The team won the game by a narrow margin.

L'équipe a gagné le match par une faible marge.

Abstract use for quantity/difference.

3

He has a very narrow range of interests.

Il a une gamme d'intérêts très étroite.

Describing scope or variety.

4

She narrowly avoided hitting the tree.

Elle a évité de justesse de heurter l'arbre.

Adverb 'narrowly' meaning 'almost'.

5

The search has narrowed to three main areas.

La recherche s'est limitée à trois domaines principaux.

Verb 'narrow' used for a process.

6

Don't be so narrow-minded about new food.

Ne sois pas si étroit d'esprit concernant la nouvelle nourriture.

Compound adjective 'narrow-minded'.

7

The gap between the two runners is narrowing.

L'écart entre les deux coureurs se réduit.

Present continuous verb.

8

The valley becomes narrow at the end.

La vallée devient étroite à la fin.

Linking verb 'becomes'.

1

The government won the vote by a narrow majority.

Le gouvernement a remporté le vote à une courte majorité.

Collocation 'narrow majority'.

2

The scientist's focus was perhaps too narrow.

L'objectif du scientifique était peut-être trop restreint.

Critiquing the scope of work.

3

The narrowness of the ledge made the climb dangerous.

L'étroitesse de la corniche rendait l'ascension dangereuse.

Noun form 'narrowness'.

4

They are narrowing the gap in the market.

Ils réduisent l'écart sur le marché.

Idiomatic 'narrow the gap'.

5

The report provides a narrow definition of poverty.

Le rapport fournit une définition étroite de la pauvreté.

Academic use for definitions.

6

He had a narrow escape from the burning building.

Il a échappé de justesse au bâtiment en flammes.

Common idiom 'narrow escape'.

7

The road narrows significantly after the tunnel.

La route se rétrécit considérablement après le tunnel.

Verb 'narrows' with adverb 'significantly'.

8

Her narrow perspective prevented her from seeing the truth.

Sa perspective étroite l'a empêchée de voir la vérité.

Abstract 'narrow perspective'.

1

The court took a narrow interpretation of the law.

Le tribunal a adopté une interprétation étroite de la loi.

Legal/Formal context.

2

The candidate narrowly lost the primary election.

Le candidat a perdu de justesse l'élection primaire.

Adverbial use in political context.

3

We must narrow the scope of our research to remain focused.

Nous devons restreindre le champ de notre recherche pour rester concentrés.

Professional/Academic imperative.

4

The arteries had narrowed due to a poor diet.

Les artères s'étaient rétrécies à cause d'une mauvaise alimentation.

Medical/Biological context.

5

It was a narrow, specialized field of study.

C'était un domaine d'étude étroit et spécialisé.

Describing academic specialization.

6

The project was hampered by a narrow budget.

Le projet a été entravé par un budget restreint.

Metaphorical use for financial limits.

7

He lived a narrow life, rarely leaving his village.

Il menait une vie étroite, quittant rarement son village.

Literary use for lifestyle.

8

The gap between theory and practice is narrowing.

L'écart entre la théorie et la pratique se réduit.

Abstract metaphorical process.

1

The statute's narrow construction limits its applicability.

La construction étroite de la loi limite son applicabilité.

High-level legal terminology.

2

He walked the straight and narrow for many years.

Il a suivi le droit chemin pendant de nombreuses années.

Idiomatic 'straight and narrow'.

3

The narrowness of the victory belied the underlying social unrest.

L'étroitesse de la victoire masquait l'agitation sociale sous-jacente.

Complex sentence structure with 'belied'.

4

The film explores the narrow confines of domestic life.

Le film explore les limites étroites de la vie domestique.

Sophisticated literary analysis.

5

Such a narrow viewpoint is characteristic of parochialism.

Un point de vue aussi étroit est caractéristique du parochalisme.

Using advanced vocabulary like 'parochialism'.

6

The margin of error was exceedingly narrow.

La marge d'erreur était extrêmement faible.

Scientific/Technical precision.

7

The path to success is often narrow and treacherous.

Le chemin du succès est souvent étroit et traître.

Philosophical metaphor.

8

The investigation was narrowed down with surgical precision.

L'enquête a été affinée avec une précision chirurgicale.

Metaphorical use of 'surgical precision'.

類義語

thin slender tight restricted limited cramped

反対語

wide broad spacious

よく使う組み合わせ

narrow street
narrow path
narrow margin
narrow victory
narrow escape
narrow focus
narrow majority
narrow range
narrow gap
narrow interpretation

よく使うフレーズ

narrow down
narrow escape
narrow margin
narrow-minded
narrow focus
narrow the gap
straight and narrow
narrow victory
narrow majority
narrow range

よく混同される語

narrow vs thin

narrow vs small

narrow vs shallow

慣用句と表現

"a narrow escape"
"the straight and narrow"
"narrow-minded"
"narrow the gap"
"by a narrow margin"
"narrow focus"
"narrow interests"
"narrow sea"
"narrow path"
"narrow view"

間違えやすい

narrow vs thin

Thin is for thickness of material; narrow is for width of space.

narrow vs small

Small is overall size; narrow is specifically width.

narrow vs shallow

Shallow is for depth; narrow is for width.

narrow vs tight

Tight implies pressure; narrow is a measurement.

narrow vs slender

Slender is usually a positive, graceful version of narrow.

文型パターン

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使い方

abstract

Use for limits of thought or scope.

physical

Use for width of spaces.

competitive

Use for close results.

よくある間違い
  • Using 'thin' for roads.
  • Saying 'most narrow'.
  • Using 'narrow' for depth.
  • Forgetting 'down' in the phrasal verb.
  • Using 'narrow' as a noun without context.

ヒント

Context Matters

Always check if you are describing a physical space or an abstract idea before choosing 'narrow'.

Comparative Form

Stick to 'narrower' for the comparative form to sound more like a native speaker.

Idiom Usage

Use 'narrow escape' to make your storytelling more exciting and descriptive.

Precision

In academic writing, use 'narrow the scope' to show you are focusing your research.

News Keywords

Listen for 'narrow margin' during election season to understand how close the results are.

Visual Link

Visualize a narrow bridge to remember that 'narrow' relates to width and constraint.

Ending Sound

Ensure the 'w' at the end of 'narrow' is soft and clear, like in 'snow'.

Narrow vs. Wide

Practice by pairing 'narrow' with its opposite 'wide' in sentences to reinforce the meaning.

European Streets

Think of old European cities to remember the physical application of 'narrow streets'.

Decision Making

Use 'narrow down' in meetings when discussing project options or candidate selections.

暗記しよう

視覚的連想

Imagine a narrow hallway where you can't turn around.

語源

Old English

文化的な背景

A 'narrow win' is often celebrated as a hard-fought battle.

The 'straight and narrow' path is a metaphor for living an honest life.

Narrow houses (skinny houses) are common in cities like Amsterdam and Tokyo due to land taxes or space constraints.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

会話のきっかけ

"Have you ever driven on a very narrow road?"

"How do you narrow down your choices when buying something new?"

"Do you think it's better to have a narrow focus or a broad range of interests?"

"What was your most narrow escape from a difficult situation?"

"Is your bedroom narrow or wide?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time you had a narrow escape.

Write about a narrow street you have visited.

How do you narrow down your goals for the year?

Discuss the pros and cons of being a narrow specialist in your field.

What does 'the straight and narrow' mean to you?

よくある質問

10 問

No, 'narrow' refers to the width of a space or surface (like a road), while 'thin' refers to the thickness of an object (like a book) or a person's body.

Yes, but 'narrower' is much more common and preferred by native speakers in most contexts.

It describes someone who is unwilling to consider different ideas, opinions, or people. It is usually a negative trait.

Use it when you want to reduce a large number of options to a smaller, more specific group. For example, 'Narrow down the list of suspects.'

It is a situation where someone just barely avoids danger, an accident, or being caught.

Yes, it can be a verb meaning to make something narrower or to become narrower. 'The road narrows ahead.'

The most common opposite is 'wide'. 'Broad' is also a very common antonym.

Yes, in phrases like 'a narrow margin' or 'a narrow majority,' it describes a very small difference in numbers.

It is usually neutral, but 'narrow-minded' is negative, and 'narrow focus' can be positive in a professional context.

It is an idiom that means living a morally good and honest life, following the rules.

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