1.
somewhat short; on the short side; shortish
Indicates something is a little shorter than average or than expected. The め suffix softens the adjective, expressing a moderate degree.
髪を短めに切る。
To cut one's hair on the short side.
スカートは短めが好きです。
I prefer skirts on the shorter side.
今日のスピーチは短めに済ませましょう。
Let's keep today's speech on the brief side.
Formed by adding the suffix め to the adjective 短い. The め suffix creates a softer, approximate expression meaning "somewhat" or "on the ... side." It can function as a な-adjective or adverb (with に).
USAGE:
Used when requesting or describing something that is moderately short rather than extremely short. Very common in everyday conversation, especially when giving preferences or instructions.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 短めに切る: to cut on the short side
- 短めに済ませる: to keep something brief
- 短めの丈: a shortish length
RELATED TERMS:
- 長め: on the long side — the opposite
- 太め: on the thick side — same pattern
- 細め: on the thin side — same pattern