Translation guide
The English word "compact" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: describing something small and space-saving, a formal agreement, a makeup case, and a small car. It also warns against literal translations that sound unnatural in Japanese.
Describing an object, device, or space that is small, efficiently designed, and takes up little room.
A common loanword used for objects, devices, or spaces that are small and efficiently designed. Often used in product descriptions.
このカメラはとてもコンパクトで持ち運びに便利です。
This camera is very compact and easy to carry.
コンパクトなデザインの家具を探しています。
I'm looking for furniture with a compact design.
Means 'small-sized' or 'miniature'. Often used for machinery, electronics, or vehicles. More formal than コンパクト.
小型の冷蔵庫を買いました。
I bought a compact refrigerator.
Literally 'space-saving'. Used for furniture, appliances, or layouts that maximize space efficiency.
省スペースの収納アイデアを教えてください。
Please tell me some compact storage ideas.
Referring to a formal, often legally binding, agreement between parties.
A formal agreement, often between organizations or countries. Used for treaties, pacts, or business agreements.
両国は貿易協定を結んだ。
The two countries entered into a trade compact.
A general term for contract or agreement. Can be used for business deals, leases, etc. Less formal than 協定.
A solemn pact or covenant, often with historical or religious connotations. Rare in modern business contexts.
A small case containing face powder and a mirror, used for cosmetic touch-ups.
The standard term for a makeup compact. Often used with ファンデーション (foundation) or パウダー (powder).
化粧直しにコンパクトを取り出した。
She took out her compact to touch up her makeup.
Literally 'powder case'. Less common than コンパクト but understood.
新しいパウダーケースを買った。
I bought a new compact.
A small, economical car, often a two-door model.
The standard term for a compact car. Widely used in automotive contexts.
燃費の良いコンパクトカーが人気です。
Fuel-efficient compact cars are popular.
Means 'small vehicle'. A more formal term used in official classifications.
While コンパクト can describe objects, using it to describe a person's body type (e.g., 'a compact man') sounds unnatural. Use 小柄 (こがら, small build) or 引き締まった (ひきしまった, toned) instead.
彼は小柄だが力持ちだ。
He is compact but strong.
コンパクト emphasizes stylish, efficient design, while 小型 simply means small size. For electronics, コンパクト is more common in marketing; 小型 is used in technical specs.
彼らは秘密保持契約にサインした。
They signed a compact of confidentiality.
彼らは血の盟約を交わした。
They made a blood compact.
小型車は税金が安い。
Compact cars have lower taxes.