noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
a little too short; slightly short
Describes physical length that falls just short of what is needed or expected, often with a nuance of disappointment.
These pants are a little too short, and my ankles show.
Curtains that are slightly too short won't cover the window frame.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
slightly inferior; a bit worse
Used figuratively for quality, ability, or performance that is just a notch below expectations or standards.
His proposal is slightly inferior and lacks persuasiveness.
This translation has some parts that are a bit lacking.
Compound of 寸 (sun, a traditional unit of length, about 3.03 cm) and 足らず (tarazu, 'not enough'). Literally 'short by a sun,' it came to mean just a little too short or slightly inferior.