小さな男
chiisana otoko
The English phrase "little man" is translated into Japanese as 小さな男 (chiisana otoko).
The phrase refers to a male person who is small in size or stature. In a more colloquial context across Japan, the term チビ is also used to refer to someone who is short or small in stature.
How do you pronounce it?
chiisana otoko
Did you know?
- When referring to a 'little man' in terms of social status or insignificance, Japanese speakers often use the word 小物 (komono), which literally means 'small thing'.
- The colloquial term チビ (chibi) is often used as an endearing nickname for children or pets, but using it toward an adult can be perceived as a sharp insult to their dignity.
- If you call a man 小さな (chiisana) in a formal setting, it sounds more like a literary description from a fairy tale than a way to describe a real person in a social setting.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are looking at a crowd in a park.
- 美咲 Misakiあそこに小さな男の子がいますね。Asoko ni chiisana otoko no ko ga imasu ne.There is a little boy over there, isn't there?
- 蓮 Renいいえ、あれは小さな男の人ですよ。Iie, are wa chiisana otoko no hito desu yo.No, that is a little man.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だ！びっくりしました。Hontou da! Bikkuri shimashita.You're right! I was surprised.
- 蓮 Ren遠くから見ると分かりにくいですね。Tooku kara miru to wakarinikui desu ne.It's hard to tell from far away.
