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What is the Kanji for 'Narrow'? | 狭

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Narrow', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Narrow' is 狭.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Narrow

    Reading

    kunyomiせま

    sema

    せば

    seba

    onyomiきょう

    kyou

    Parts

    Dog

    Example Word

    狭まる: narrow. The Japanese verb '狭まる (せばまる)' means 'to narrow' or 'to become narrow'. It describes the process of something becoming physically or metaphorically narrower. This verb is often used to describe spaces, gaps, or even abstract concepts like differences or options. For example: the gap between the two teams narrowed「二つのチームの差が狭まった」(ふたつのチームのさがせばまった). The road narrows ahead「この先、道が狭まります」(このさき、みちがせばまります). It is important to note that '狭まる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object and focuses on the subject undergoing the change.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1150

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Dog

    component

Words Using

This kanji is used in 3 words:

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 9 kanji contain the part 犬 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Form, Condition

    kanji

    Meaning

    Silent, Shut up

    kanji

    Meaning

    Offer, Offering

    kanji

    Meaning

    Seize, Catch game

    kanji

    Meaning

    Prostrated

    kanji

    Meaning

    Crazy, Lunatic

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hunting, Hunt

    kanji

    Meaning

    Prison, Litigation

    kanji

    Meaning

    Beast, Animal

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 2 kanji contain the part 夹 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gorge, Ravine

    kanji

    Meaning

    Put between, Between

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 狭 mean?

狭 means 'Narrow'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Junior Highschool, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N1 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.