Translation guide
The quality of being narrow in width, scope, or mindset. This guide covers how to express physical narrowness, limited range, and narrow-mindedness in Japanese.
Describing something as physically narrow, such as a road, room, or space.
The most direct noun form meaning 'narrowness' in a physical sense. Used for roads, rooms, spaces, etc.
この道の狭さには驚いた。
I was surprised by the narrowness of this road.
The narrowness of the room bothers me.
Refers to thinness or slenderness, often for objects like pipes, fingers, or lines. Can imply narrowness in diameter.
この管の細さが問題だ。
The narrowness of this pipe is a problem.
Literally 'narrowness of width'. Used when emphasizing the width dimension specifically.
その橋は幅の狭さで知られている。
The bridge is known for its narrowness.
Expressing that something has a narrow range, limited variety, or restricted scope.
Also used metaphorically for narrowness of scope, range, or options.
選択肢の狭さに困っている。
I'm troubled by the narrowness of the options.
Means 'limited range'. A common way to describe narrowness of scope without using the word 'narrow' directly.
この研究は限られた範囲で行われた。
This research was conducted within a narrow scope.
A formal term meaning narrowness or provincialism, often used for narrow-mindedness or insularity.
Describing a person's mindset as narrow, intolerant, or lacking in breadth of view.
Means narrow-mindedness or intolerance. Commonly used to criticize someone's attitude.
彼の狭量さには我慢できない。
I can't stand his narrow-mindedness.
Literally 'narrowness of heart'. A more colloquial way to say someone is petty or small-minded.
そんなことで怒るなんて、心の狭さを感じる。
Getting angry over something like that shows narrow-mindedness.
As above, can also refer to narrow-mindedness, often with a nuance of provincialism or bigotry.
An adjective phrase meaning 'narrow in perspective'. Often used to describe someone who lacks broad vision.
彼は視野が狭いから、新しいアイデアを受け入れない。
He has a narrow perspective, so he doesn't accept new ideas.
While 狭さ can be used metaphorically, it is less common for describing personality. Use 狭量 or 心の狭さ for natural expressions about narrow-mindedness.
狭さ (せまさ) is for spaces and widths (e.g., roads, rooms). 細さ (ほそさ) is for thinness of cylindrical or slender objects (e.g., pipes, fingers). Do not confuse them.
彼の考え方の偏狭さには呆れる。
I'm amazed at the narrowness of his thinking.
偏狭な考え方は社会の進歩を妨げる。
Narrow-minded thinking hinders social progress.