Translation guide
The English word "smallish" means somewhat small or on the small side. In Japanese, this idea is usually expressed by adding suffixes like ～め or ～やや to adjectives, or by using adverbs like やや or ちょっと before the adjective. There is no single word that directly translates "smallish" in all contexts.
Describing something as being on the small side, without being extremely small.
The suffix ～め attached to the stem of an i-adjective means 'a bit ~' or 'on the ~ side'. 小さめ is the most common and natural way to say 'smallish' for size.
This room is smallish, but it's comfortable.
I'm looking for a smallish bag.
The adverb やや means 'somewhat' or 'a little'. Combined with 小さい (small), it directly translates to 'somewhat small'. Slightly more formal than 小さめ.
This size is smallish.
ちょっと means 'a little' and is very common in casual speech. ちょっと小さい is a natural way to say 'a bit small' or 'smallish'.
These shoes might be a bit small.
小ぶり means 'smallish' or 'on the small side', often used for objects, portions, or physical features. It implies a moderate smallness that is pleasant or appropriate.
I made smallish rice balls.
She was wearing smallish earrings.
The suffix ～っぽい means '-ish' or 'tending to'. 小さっぽい can mean 'smallish' but often carries a nuance of 'seems small' or 'gives a small impression'. Less common than 小さめ.
This car looks smallish, but it's spacious inside.
Describing an amount, number, or degree as being on the small side.
The suffix ～め can be attached to the stem of many i-adjectives to mean 'a bit ~' or 'on the ~ side'. For example: 大きめ (biggish), 長め (longish), 安め (cheapish). It's very common in everyday Japanese.
There is no direct Japanese equivalent of the English suffix '-ish'. Avoid trying to translate 'smallish' as a single word. Instead, use the patterns above depending on context.
There are a smallish number of customers today.