(けいび)

けいび
na-adjective
slight; minor; insignificant
formaldescriptivesize
See also: 警備(けいび) (security, guarding)
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)軽微(けいび)だった。
The damage was minor.
軽微(けいび)違反(いはん)罰金(ばっきん)()される。
Even minor violations are subject to fines.
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 — (かる) 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

Similar words

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