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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

    狭

    Meaning

    Narrow

    Reading

    kunyomiせま

    sema

    せば

    seba

    onyomiきょう

    kyou

    Parts

    犬Dog 夹

    Example Word

    狭い: narrow. The Japanese adjective '狭い (せまい)' means 'narrow'. It is used to describe something that has limited width or space, such as a narrow road, a small room, or a tight space. It can also be used metaphorically to describe limited perspectives or opportunities. Example sentences: This road is narrow「この道は狭い」(このみちはせまい). The room feels narrow「部屋が狭く感じる」(へやがせまくかんじる). His views are narrow「彼の視野は狭い」(かれのしやはせまい). Note that '狭い' is often used to describe physical spaces but can extend to abstract concepts like viewpoints or options.

    Radical

    犬

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1150

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 狭

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

    kanji

    犬

    Meaning

    Dog

    component

    夹

Words Using 狭

This kanji is used in 3 words:

    word

    狭い

    Meaning

    Narrow

    word

    狭まる

    Meaning

    Narrow

    word

    狭める

    Meaning

    Narrow

Kanji Related to 狭 Through the Part 犬

These 9 kanji contain the part 犬 as well.

    kanji

    状

    Meaning

    Form, Condition

    kanji

    黙

    Meaning

    Silent, Shut up

    kanji

    献

    Meaning

    Offer, Offering

    kanji

    獲

    Meaning

    Seize, Catch game

    kanji

    伏

    Meaning

    Prostrated

    kanji

    狂

    Meaning

    Crazy, Lunatic

    kanji

    狩

    Meaning

    Hunting, Hunt

    kanji

    獄

    Meaning

    Prison, Litigation

    kanji

    獣

    Meaning

    Beast, Animal

Kanji Related to 狭 Through the Part 夹

These 2 kanji contain the part 夹 as well.

    kanji

    峡

    Meaning

    Gorge, Ravine

    kanji

    挟

    Meaning

    Put between, Between

Learn the Kanji 狭

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.