ミニ

A loanword from English "mini" used as a prefix to indicate a smaller or shorter version of something. Very productive in forming compound words.

Compounds

• ミニスカート — miniskirt (often shortened to ミニスカ)
• ミニサイズ — mini size
• ミニゲーム — mini game
• ミニコンサート — mini concert
• ミニバン — minivan
• ミニチュア — miniature

Usage

When used alone (as a noun), ミニ often refers to a miniskirt: ミニを履(は)く (to wear a mini). As a prefix, it attaches freely to both Japanese and loanwords to create new compounds.

Similar words

• マキシ — maxi (for clothing length)
• 大型(おおがた) — large-sized