Japanese word of the day: 狭い (Semai)

What does 狭い (Semai) mean?

狭い (Semai) (い-adjective) – Narrow; cramped; small (in width or area). This word is used to describe spaces that feel tight, confined, or lacking in room—whether it’s a hallway, a room, or even a crowded street.

Kanji details for 狭

Character: 狭 — cramped, narrow, contract, tight
Radical: dog 犬 (犭)

Example sentences with 狭い (Semai)

• この部屋はとても狭いです。
  (Kono heya wa totemo semai desu.)
  🏠 This room is very small (cramped).

• 狭い道を歩きました。
  (Semai michi o arukimashita.)
  🚶‍♂️ I walked along a narrow street.

• 日本のアパートは狭いことが多いです。
  (Nihon no apāto wa semai koto ga ōi desu.)
  🏢 Japanese apartments are often small.

狭い (Semai) in context

狭い is a practical word for daily life in Japan, where space is often at a premium. You’ll use it to describe tight living quarters, packed trains, or narrow streets. It can also be used figuratively to describe a “narrow” mindset or perspective, though that’s less common in everyday conversation.

A quick tip: The opposite of 狭い is 広い (hiroi), which means “spacious” or “wide.” Use 狭い for anything that feels squeezed or limited in space.

Whether you’re moving into a new apartment, navigating busy streets, or just looking for a little elbow room, 狭い is the word for those tight spaces in Japanese life.