Translation guide
Describes a person or attitude that is narrow, petty, or intolerant, focusing on trivial matters and lacking broad perspective.
To describe someone who is unwilling to accept new ideas or different opinions, lacking broad perspective.
A formal term for narrow-mindedness, often used in written or serious contexts.
To describe someone who focuses on small, unimportant details or holds grudges over minor issues.
Describes being hung up on trivial things, a natural way to express pettiness.
彼女は小さいことにこだわりすぎる。
She's too hung up on trivial things.
心が狭い is the most common, everyday expression for 'small-minded'. 狭量 is more formal and often used in writing or serious discussions. For casual settings, 心が狭い is preferred.
Directly translating 'small-minded' as 小さい心 may not be understood. Use the phrases provided instead.
彼は狭量な考え方の持ち主だ。
He has a narrow-minded way of thinking.
A common, natural way to say someone is small-minded or petty in everyday conversation.
そんなことで怒るなんて、心が狭いね。
Getting angry over something like that—you're so small-minded.
Implies bigotry or intolerance, often used for prejudiced attitudes.
偏狭な意見は受け入れられない。
Narrow-minded opinions are not acceptable.
Literally 'narrow-minded', somewhat old-fashioned or literary.
彼は了見が狭いから、新しい提案に反対だ。
He's narrow-minded, so he's against new proposals.
Slang for petty, stingy, or small-minded, often used in casual speech.
そんなせこいこと言うなよ。
Don't say such petty things.
Literally 'small vessel', meaning a person of small caliber, petty or lacking generosity.
あの人は器が小さいから、すぐに根に持つ。
That person is small-minded, so they hold grudges easily.