ichidan verb, transitive verb
shorten; reduce; condense; shrink
General transitive verb for making something physically or abstractly shorter, smaller, or more compact. Used with objects like length, distance, time, text, or volume.
スカートの丈を5センチ縮めてもらった。
I had the length of the skirt shortened by 5 centimeters.
文章を半分に縮めて要約した。
I condensed the text to half its length and summarized it.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
Specifically used for fabric or similar materials, meaning to make it wrinkled or crumpled, often unintentionally or by crushing.
スーツをスーツケースに詰め込んで縮めてしまった。
I stuffed the suit into the suitcase and wrinkled it.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
make oneself smaller; draw in; duck
Used for body parts or posture: pulling in one's legs, ducking one's head, or making one's body compact, often to avoid being noticed or to fit into a small space.
彼は寒さで首を縮めて歩いていた。
He was walking with his neck ducked because of the cold.
狭い通路で体を縮めて通った。
I made myself small to pass through the narrow passage.