1.
cramped; too small; not spacious enough
Describes a space that has become too small for its current use or number of occupants. Often implies that the space was once adequate but is no longer sufficient.
このオフィスは手狭だ。
This office is cramped.
家族が増えて、家が手狭になった。
The family grew and the house became too small.
手狭になった倉庫を広いところに移すことにした。
We decided to move the warehouse that had become too small to a larger location.
USAGE:
Often used with になる to express that a space has become insufficient over time. Commonly describes offices, homes, and storage spaces that no longer meet needs due to growth.
FORMS:
- Predicate: 手狭だ (is cramped)
- Modifier: 手狭な部屋 (a cramped room)
- Change: 手狭になる (to become too small)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 狭い: narrow, small — general adjective for limited space
- 窮屈: tight, uncomfortable — emphasizes physical discomfort from lack of space