Translation guide
This guide explains how to express that something is insufficient in length, duration, or height, covering common Japanese adjectives, verbs, and set phrases.
Expressing that something is not long enough in physical length or time.
Saying someone is too short in stature.
Expressing that a deadline or time allowed is too short.
Literally 'time is insufficient'. The most natural way to say there isn't enough time.
時間が足りなくて、全部できなかった。
I didn't have enough time, so I couldn't finish everything.
While '短い' means short, it is not used for people's height. Use '背が低い' instead. Saying '彼は短い' sounds like 'he is short (in length)', which is unnatural.
'短い' focuses on the attribute of being short, while '足りない' focuses on insufficiency. For length, '短すぎる' is more direct; '長さが足りない' is more about not meeting a required length.
The most common adjective for 'short' in length or duration. Use this for objects, distances, or time periods that are too short.
このスカートは短すぎる。
This skirt is too short.
休みが短すぎた。
The vacation was too short.
Directly means 'too short'. Attach to nouns with が or use as a predicate.
このズボンは短すぎる。
These pants are too short.
Means 'insufficient' or 'not enough'. Can be used for length when combined with length-related nouns.
長さが足りない。
The length is insufficient.
Slang for a short person, often derogatory. Use with caution among close friends.
Can be offensive; avoid in polite or formal settings.
あいつはチビだ。
That guy is a shrimp.
Specifically for a deadline that is too soon.
このプロジェクトの期限は短すぎる。
The deadline for this project is too short.