矮

• Pinyin: ǎi
• Hanzi breakdown: 矮 = 矢 (arrow, related to measurement) + 委 (phonetic component)

Meaning

Short (in height). Describes a person, object, or structure that is not tall.

Used to describe physical height of people, buildings, furniture, and other objects. Unlike 低 which refers to position or level being low, 矮 specifically describes something lacking in height. Can be used neutrally or sometimes perceived as blunt when describing people directly.

Examples

1. 弟弟比我矮一点，但他跑步比我快多了。 My younger brother is a bit shorter than me, but he runs much faster.
2. 那棵树太矮了，根本挡不住阳光。 That tree is too short — it can't block the sunlight at all.
3. 她虽然个子矮，但是打篮球非常厉害。 Although she's short, she's extremely good at basketball.

Usage Guide

Context: description, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这张桌子太矮了，坐着不舒服。(This table is too short; it's uncomfortable to sit at.)
• 矮一点的书架放在这边比较合适。(A shorter bookshelf would be more suitable here.)

Don't Say

• 直接对别人说'你好矮' (Don't say 'you're so short' directly to someone — it can sound rude; soften with 个子不太高)

Origin & History

Composed of 矢 (arrow, relating to measurement) and 委 (phonetic component). The arrow radical historically connected to the idea of measuring height.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal