Translation guide
Describing a person's physique as small, slender, or petite. Japanese offers several nuanced terms depending on whether you emphasize overall smallness, slimness, or delicacy.
Describing someone who is generally small-bodied, not necessarily thin, just physically small.
The most common and neutral way to say someone has a small build. It implies both short height and slight frame.
She is a person of small build.
Noun form meaning 'small build' or 'petite'. Often used in descriptions.
a woman of small build
Literally 'body is small'. A straightforward description, but less natural than 小柄な for build.
He has a small body.
Emphasizing thinness rather than just smallness. The person may be of average height but slight.
Means 'slim' or 'slender'. Focuses on being thin, often with a positive or neutral connotation.
A slim man was standing there.
Literally 'thin type'. A more clinical or descriptive term for a slender build.
Describes a slim, delicate figure, often used for women. Has a slightly elegant nuance.
slender fingers
Conveying a small, dainty, and often feminine build. Implies fragility or cuteness.
Means 'delicate', 'fragile', or 'petite'. Often used for women or children, implying a slender and elegant build.
a girl with a delicate build
Means 'lovely' or 'dainty'. More about cuteness and charm than pure build, but often implies smallness.
a person like a lovely flower
小柄 (kogara) simply means small in stature and frame, without necessarily implying thinness. 華奢 (kyasha) emphasizes delicacy and slenderness, often with a sense of fragility. Use 小柄 for a neutral description, and 華奢 when you want to highlight elegance or daintiness.
The English phrase 'small build' directly translated as 小さい体格 (chiisai taikaku) is understandable but sounds unnatural. Use 小柄 or 細身 instead.
He has a slender build.