器(うつわ)が小(ちい)さい

うつわがちいさい
expression
small-minded; petty; lacking generosity
informaldescriptive
1. small-minded; petty; lacking the capacity to be generous
A metaphorical expression using 器(うつわ) (vessel, container) to describe someone's character as narrow or lacking in generosity, tolerance, or leadership capacity. The opposite is 器(うつわ)が大(おお)きい (broad-minded, generous).
そんなことで怒(おこ)るなんて、器(うつわ)が小(ちい)さい。
Getting angry over something like that is petty.
器(うつわ)が小(ちい)さい人(ひと)は部下(ぶか)からの信頼(しんらい)を得(え)られない。
A petty person cannot earn the trust of their subordinates.
自分(じぶん)の失敗(しっぱい)は棚(たな)に上(あ)げて人(ひと)のミスばかり責(せ)めるのは、器(うつわ)が小(ちい)さいと思(おも)われる。
Shelving your own mistakes while only blaming others for theirs makes you look small-minded.

Usage

器(うつわ) here metaphorically refers to the capacity of a person's character, not a physical container. This expression is commonly used to criticize someone for being narrow-minded or petty, especially behind their back.

Related words

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 器(うつわ)が大(おお)きい (broad-minded, generous)
Compare: 心(こころ)が狭(せま)い (narrow-minded)
general
Added 2026.3.23 15:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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