矮小

• Pinyin: ǎi xiǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 矮 = 矢 (arrow) + 委 (phonetic); 小 = pictograph depicting something small

Meaning

Short and small. Describes a person or thing that is both low in height and small in stature.

Emphasises both shortness and smallness together. Often used for people of notably small build, small plants, or compact structures. Slightly more literary than 矮 alone and can imply frailness or delicateness when applied to people.

Examples

1. 村口有一棵矮小的老树，已经活了一百多年了。 At the village entrance there's a short, small old tree that has lived for over a hundred years.
2. 他身材矮小，但力气很大，搬东西一点儿也不费劲。 He's short and small in build, but very strong — moving things is no effort at all for him.
3. 那间矮小的房子是我爷爷小时候住过的。 That small, low house is the one my grandfather lived in as a child.

Usage Guide

Context: description, literature

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这种矮小的植物适合放在窗台上。(This kind of small, short plant is suitable for the windowsill.)
• 矮小的身材并不影响他的自信。(His small stature doesn't affect his confidence.)

Don't Say

• 用'矮小'直接形容别人的外貌 (Avoid describing someone as 矮小 to their face — it emphasises physical shortcomings and can be hurtful)

Origin & History

A compound of 矮 (short) and 小 (small), combining two descriptors of size to create a more vivid picture of diminutive stature.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal