na-adjective
Describes a room, house, or space that feels too small or tight for its purpose. Often used when space is insufficient for the number of people or activities.
この部屋は家族4人には手狭だ。
This room is cramped for a family of four.
手狭なアパートから広い家に引っ越した。
We moved from a small apartment to a spacious house.
狭い is a general adjective for 'narrow' or 'small' in physical dimensions. 手狭 specifically emphasizes that the space feels insufficient or cramped for its intended use, often with a nuance of inconvenience.
Compound of 手 (te, 'hand') and 狭 (sema, 'narrow'). The prefix 手- here adds a nuance of 'handy' or 'convenient' size, but the overall meaning shifted to 'cramped' or 'too small'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.