1.
smallish; on the small side; somewhat small; compact
Describes something that is relatively or slightly small compared to what is typical or expected. Not extremely small, but noticeably below average size.
小ぶりなりんごだ。
It's a smallish apple.
このバッグは小ぶりで持ち運びやすい。
This bag is compact and easy to carry.
今年のスイカは小ぶりだが、甘さは十分だ。
This year's watermelons are on the small side, but they're sweet enough.
小ぶりな体格ながら、力強いプレーを見せた。
Despite a compact build, the player showed powerful plays.
From 小 (small) + ぶり (manner, style — the same suffix in 大ぶり, "largish"). Written in hiragana or as 小振り.
USAGE:
Used as a な-adjective (小ぶりな) or with the copula (小ぶりだ). Very common for describing fruits, vegetables, portions, and physical objects. Can also describe body type or build. Often implies a positive nuance of being conveniently sized or cute rather than inadequately small.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 小ぶりな果物 — smallish fruit
- 小ぶりなサイズ — compact size
- 小ぶりな体 — small build
- やや小ぶり — slightly on the small side
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 小さい — small (general, can mean very small)
- 小柄 — small-statured, petite (specifically for people's build)
- 大ぶり — largish, on the large side (the opposite)