小人
Meanings
2
little person (dwarfism); dwarf; midget
Refers to a person with dwarfism. Note that 小人 (こびと) can be considered insensitive in modern usage; more respectful terms like 低身長者 (ていしんちょうしゃ) or 小人症の人 (こびとしょうのひと) are often preferred. The term 小人 (こびと) itself is still used in some contexts, but caution is advised.
He has dwarfism and is short in stature, but he is very active.
He performs on stage as a little person actor.
Usage patterns
- 〈物語〉に小人が出てくるfor little people/fairies to appear in a story
Lots of little people appear in this fairy tale.