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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

    狭める: narrow. The Japanese verb '狭める (せばめる)' means 'to narrow' or 'to make something narrower'. It is used to describe the action of reducing the width, scope, or extent of something. This verb can be applied to physical spaces, such as narrowing a road, or abstract concepts, such as narrowing down options. For example: He narrowed the gap between the two cars「彼は車の間の距離を狭めた」(かれはくるまのあいだのきょりをせばめた). We need to narrow down the list of candidates「候補者のリストを狭める必要がある」(こうほしゃのリストをせばめるひつようがある). The verb is often used in contexts where precision or focus is required.

    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.