🇯🇵 How to say

“short” in Japanese

短いみじかい
Illustration of "short" in a Japanese cultural setting
A person stands next to a tall friend, smiling and pointing to their own much shorter height. The sun casts a long shadow from the tall friend, while the shorter person's shadow is visibly brief on the pavement.

Usage note

Use 短い for physical length, duration, or height. It's a common, neutral word, like saying 'short' in English. Remember it by picturing a short winter day—'日が短い'.

Examples

  • 今日は髪を短く切りました。

    I cut my hair short today.

  • 冬は日が短いです。

    Days are short in winter.

  • この鉛筆は短いですね。

    This pencil is short, isn't it?

Quick check

What does "短い" mean?

  • A. short
  • B. high
  • C. dirty
  • D. long

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