Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a person of short stature requires sensitivity. The direct translation '小人' (kobito) is often considered derogatory. This guide provides respectful and natural alternatives depending on context.
To refer to a person who is very short, without being offensive.
Literally 'small-built person'. This is the safest and most common way to describe someone of short stature politely.
When a short person stands in front, I can't see.
Means 'a person who is short in stature'. Neutral and descriptive.
Even a short person can play basketball.
Slang for 'shorty' or 'runt'. Can be affectionate among close friends but is often derogatory. Use with extreme caution.
Highly context-dependent; can be insulting. Avoid unless you are very familiar with the person and the social dynamics.
To refer to the medical condition of dwarfism.
To refer to a dwarf as a mythical creature (e.g., in fairy tales or fantasy).
To describe a miniature or very small version of an object or animal.
The word '小人' (kobito) can be highly offensive when referring to people with dwarfism. It is often used in fairy tales for dwarves or mythical beings, but in modern contexts it is a slur. Use alternatives like '小柄な人' (kogara na hito) or medical terms when appropriate.
He is a person of short stature.
To describe someone as short without offense, use '背が低い' (se ga hikui) or '小柄な' (kogara na). These are neutral descriptors of height and build.
Midget wrestling is controversial.
Uses '小人' (kobito) as it is a proper name for the event, but note the term can be offensive.
Hey, shorty, what are you doing?
There is a support group for children with short stature disorders.
そのゲームではドワーフの戦士を選べます。
In that game, you can choose a dwarf warrior.
A mameshiba is smaller than a regular Shiba Inu.