手狭

• Reading: てぜま
• Romaji: tezema
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te) — hand, scope; 狭 (sema) — narrow, confined
• Pronunciation: /te.ze.ma/

Meaning

Narrow; cramped; too small; confined. Describes a space that is insufficient for its intended purpose or for the number of people using it.

A na-adjective used as 手狭な (tezema na) or 手狭だ. 手 suggests the scale within one's reach, and 狭 (sema, narrow) together convey a space too small to work or live in comfortably. Frequently used in the context of housing, offices, and kitchens that have become inadequate. It carries a practical rather than emotional connotation.

Examples

1. 社員が増え、オフィスが手狭になったため、移転を検討している。 The number of staff has grown and the office has become cramped, so they are considering relocating.
2. キッチンが手狭で、二人で料理をするには窮屈だった。 The kitchen was too small and felt cramped for two people to cook in together.
3. 子どもが生まれたのを機に、手狭なアパートから一戸建てに引っ越した。 With a baby on the way, they moved from their cramped flat into a detached house.

Usage Guide

Context: housing, office, real estate, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (te, hand, the scope of what one manages) and 狭 (sema, narrow, confined). The combination describes a space that has become too confined for the tasks at hand—too small to stretch out and work effectively.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal