noun
small child; pipsqueak; small fry
Often affectionate or teasing when referring to a child; can be derogatory if used toward adults. Also used for chibi-style characters in anime/manga with oversized heads.
うちのちびはまだ三歳だ。
Our little one is still three years old.
あのアニメのちびキャラがかわいい。
The chibi characters in that anime are cute.
noun
Sensitive term when referring to a person's height; can be insulting. Use with caution.
彼はクラスで一番のちびだ。
He's the shortest in the class.
noun
small animal; runt
Typically for the smallest or weakest animal in a litter; can be used affectionately.
この子猫はちびで、兄弟より小さい。
This kitten is the runt and smaller than its siblings.
prefix
worn down; stubby
Prefix use, mainly in compounds like ちび鉛筆 (stubby pencil) or ちびた (worn down).
ちびた鉛筆で書くのは難しい。
It's hard to write with a worn-down pencil.
Derived from the verb 禿びる (chibiru), meaning 'to wear down' or 'become small'. The exact historical shift to a noun is uncertain.