1.
cramped, confined, uncomfortably narrow
Describes a space that is unpleasantly small and tight, causing physical or psychological discomfort. Stronger and more negative than 狭い (narrow), emphasizing the oppressive feeling of being in a small space.
狭苦しい部屋に住んでいる。
I live in a cramped room.
狭苦しいオフィスで毎日働くのはつらい。
Working every day in a cramped office is tough.
荷物が多すぎて、部屋が狭苦しくなってしまった。
There was too much luggage and the room became uncomfortably cramped.
USAGE:
An i-adjective (狭苦しい → 狭苦しくない). Formed from 狭い (narrow) + 苦しい (painful/uncomfortable), this compound adjective adds an element of discomfort or oppressiveness that plain 狭い lacks. Use 狭苦しい when emphasizing the unpleasant feeling, not just the physical dimensions.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 狭苦しい部屋: cramped room
- 狭苦しい空間: confined space
- 狭苦しい車内: cramped vehicle interior
- 狭苦しく感じる: to feel cramped