1.
small grain; small-sized
Something small in size, especially referring to grains, beads, fruits, or other small objects. Often used as a modifier before nouns.
小粒のトマトが甘い。
The small tomatoes are sweet.
この品種は小粒だが味が濃い。
This variety is small but has a rich flavor.
小粒の雨が窓を打っていた。
Fine drops of rain were hitting the window.
2.
small but capable; compact but talented
Used figuratively to describe people or things that are small in stature or scale but have notable skill or quality. Often appears in the expression 小粒でもぴりりと辛い (small but sharp, like a peppercorn).
彼は小粒だが実力がある。
He's small but capable.
小粒でもぴりりと辛い。
Small but sharp. (Like a peppercorn — small but potent.)
あのチームは小粒揃いだが、結束力が強い。
That team is full of compact players, but their cohesion is strong.
USAGE:
Used both literally for small objects and figuratively for people or organizations. The well-known proverb 山椒は小粒でもぴりりと辛い (Japanese pepper is small but packs a punch) captures the figurative meaning perfectly.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 小粒の実 (small fruit/berry)
- 小粒揃い (a group of small but capable people)
- 小粒でも優秀 (small but excellent)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 大粒: large grain — the opposite; also used figuratively for someone impressive
- 粒: grain, drop — the basic word for a small round piece
Related Words
Antonym:
大粒 (large grain)