Short refers to limited length in distance or duration.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to limited physical length.
- Describes a short duration of time.
- Commonly used for both tangible and abstract concepts.
一般的な文脈：日常会話では、「時間が短い」「距離が短い」のように、客観的な長さに対して頻繁に使われます。また、比喩的に「命が短い」「我慢が短い（短気）」といった表現にも応用されます。
- 1類義語との比較：「小さい」はサイズ全体が小さいことを指しますが、「短い」は一方の端からもう一方の端までの距離が短いことを強調します。「浅い」は深さに対して使われるため、長さの「短い」とは区別されます。
Examples
鉛筆が短くなりました。
everydayThe pencil became short.
会議の時間は短いです。
formalThe meeting time is short.
髪を短く切りました。
informalI cut my hair short.
非常に短い期間で達成しました。
academicAchieved in a very short period.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
気が短い
Impatient
短期間
Short term
手短に話す
Speak briefly
Often Confused With
Chiisai refers to overall size or scale. Mijikai specifically refers to linear length or time duration.
Asai refers to depth (e.g., shallow water). It is not used for length or time.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'mijikai' is used in both formal and informal contexts without register changes. It is a standard adjective that follows basic conjugation rules. Be careful not to use it for human height, as that requires specific vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'mijikai' for height, which is incorrect. Another mistake is using it for 'small' objects where 'chiisai' is more appropriate. Ensure you distinguish between linear length and general volume.
Tips
Use for both time and distance
Remember that 'mijikai' works for both physical objects like pencils and time durations like meetings. It is a very versatile word for A2 learners.
Do not use for height
Never use 'mijikai' to describe a person's height. Use 'hikui' (low) instead to avoid sounding unnatural.
The concept of brevity
In Japan, brevity is often valued in speech. Using 'mijikai' to describe a concise report or meeting is generally seen as positive.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese 'mijika', which evolved into the modern adjective form. It has been used since ancient times to denote limited length.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, the concept of 'ma' or space/time is important. Describing something as 'mijikai' is often a neutral observation rather than a judgment.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'mini' pencil. 'Miji-kai' sounds like 'mini', helping you remember it means short.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「短い」の反対語は「長い」です。距離や時間、期間のいずれにおいても対照的に使われます。
はい、関係があります。「短気」は「気が短い」の略で、すぐに怒る性格を指します。忍耐の時間が短いという意味から来ています。
「短時間」は「短い時間」を意味する名詞です。「短時間で終わらせる」のように、作業効率や期間を強調する際によく使われます。
身長が低いことを指して「背が短い」と言うことは一般的ではありません。その場合は「背が低い」を使うのが適切です。
Test Yourself
会議はとても___ので、すぐに終わりました。
過去の出来事なので、過去形の「短かった」が適切です。
次のうち、正しい文はどれですか？
映画の時間のような期間には「短い」が自然に使えます。
（髪 / 短い / 彼女 / です / は）
「〜は〜が〜」という構文で、身体的特徴を表します。
Score: /3
Summary
Short refers to limited length in distance or duration.
- Refers to limited physical length.
- Describes a short duration of time.
- Commonly used for both tangible and abstract concepts.
Use for both time and distance
Remember that 'mijikai' works for both physical objects like pencils and time durations like meetings. It is a very versatile word for A2 learners.
Do not use for height
Never use 'mijikai' to describe a person's height. Use 'hikui' (low) instead to avoid sounding unnatural.
The concept of brevity
In Japan, brevity is often valued in speech. Using 'mijikai' to describe a concise report or meeting is generally seen as positive.
Examples
4 of 4鉛筆が短くなりました。
The pencil became short.
会議の時間は短いです。
The meeting time is short.
髪を短く切りました。
I cut my hair short.
非常に短い期間で達成しました。
Achieved in a very short period.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
