軽微(けいび)

けいび
adjective (na)
slight; minor; insignificant
1. slight; minor; insignificant; trivial
Describes something that is small in degree, scale, or severity. Used for damage, injuries, violations, or defects that are not serious.
被害(ひがい)は軽微(けいび)だった。
The damage was minor.
軽微(けいび)な違反(いはん)でも罰金(ばっきん)が科(か)される。
Even minor violations are subject to fines.
地震(じしん)による建物(たてもの)への影響(えいきょう)は軽微(けいび)なものにとどまった。
The earthquake's impact on buildings remained minor.

USAGE:
A formal adjective used primarily in news reports, official documents, and technical writing. Typically modifies nouns describing damage, injuries, defects, or violations. Not used in everyday casual conversation — 軽(かる)い is the everyday equivalent.

NOTE: This word is a homophone of 警備(けいび) (security, guarding) but has a completely different meaning.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 軽微(けいび)な被害(ひがい) (minor damage)
  • 軽微(けいび)な違反(いはん) (minor violation)
  • 軽微(けいび)な故障(こしょう) (minor malfunction)
  • 軽微(けいび)な変更(へんこう) (minor change)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 軽(かる)い: light, minor — everyday equivalent, used in both casual and formal contexts
  • 些細(ささい)な: trivial, trifling — emphasizes insignificance

Related Words

Synonym: 些細(ささい) (trivial, minor)
general
Added 2026.3.14 9:01 · Revised 2026.4.18 17:05
16500/16577_keibi