Translation guide
The English word 'narrow' describes something of small width, limited scope, or a close margin. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Describing a physical space, object, or passage that is not wide.
The most common and general adjective for 'narrow' in the physical sense. Used for rooms, streets, spaces, etc.
This room is narrow.
The road is so narrow that cars can't pass.
Means 'narrow' for cylindrical or long, thin objects like a stick, finger, or line. Not for spaces like rooms.
Literally 'width is narrow'. Used in more technical or precise descriptions, like for roads, bridges, or objects.
This bridge is narrow.
Describing a narrow range of options, knowledge, interests, etc.
Describing a narrow victory, escape, or margin.
Adverb meaning 'barely' or 'narrowly'. Used with verbs like win, escape, pass, etc.
We won narrowly.
I made it just in time (by a narrow margin).
Means 'by a narrow margin', often used in sports or competitions.
They won by a narrow margin.
Means 'by a hair's breadth', used for very close escapes or near misses.
He escaped by a narrow margin.
To make a list or selection smaller.
Verb meaning 'to narrow down' or 'to focus'. Often used with candidates, choices, etc.
We narrowed down the candidates to three.
Literally 'narrow the range'. Used when reducing the scope of something.
We need to narrow the scope of the investigation.
The scope of the investigation was narrow.