Translation guide
Describes a person or attitude that is narrow, petty, or intolerant, focusing on trivial matters and lacking broad perspective.
To describe someone who is unwilling to accept new ideas or different opinions, lacking broad perspective.
A formal term for narrow-mindedness, often used in written or serious contexts.
He has a narrow-minded way of thinking.
A common, natural way to say someone is small-minded or petty in everyday conversation.
Getting angry over something like that—you're so small-minded.
Implies bigotry or intolerance, often used for prejudiced attitudes.
Narrow-minded opinions are not acceptable.
Literally 'narrow-minded', somewhat old-fashioned or literary.
He's narrow-minded, so he's against new proposals.
To describe someone who focuses on small, unimportant details or holds grudges over minor issues.
Describes being hung up on trivial things, a natural way to express pettiness.
She's too hung up on trivial things.
Slang for petty, stingy, or small-minded, often used in casual speech.
Literally 'small vessel', meaning a person of small caliber, petty or lacking generosity.
心が狭い is the most common, everyday expression for 'small-minded'. 狭量 is more formal and often used in writing or serious discussions. For casual settings, 心が狭い is preferred.
Directly translating 'small-minded' as 小さい心 may not be understood. Use the phrases provided instead.
そんなせこいこと言うなよ。
Don't say such petty things.
That person is small-minded, so they hold grudges easily.