Describes a room, house, or space that feels too small or tight for its purpose. Often used when space is insufficient for the number of people or activities.
This room is cramped for a family of four.
We moved from a small apartment to a spacious house.
Standard kanji spelling; commonly used in news and everyday writing.
Search-only kanji form; not a standard spelling.
Compound of 手 (te, 'hand') and 狭 (sema, 'narrow'). The prefix 手- here adds a nuance of 'handy' or 'convenient' size, but the overall meaning shifted to 'cramped' or 'too small'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.