一番小さい子
ichiban chiisai ko
The English word 'runt' is translated into Japanese as 一番小さい子 (ichiban chiisai ko).
While the English word 'runt' can carry a negative or derogatory connotation regarding strength, the Japanese phrase 一番小さい子 is a neutral description of size. It is used to describe the smallest or weakest animal of a litter or a pack.
Meaning: the smallest or the weakest animal of a litter or a pack (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 一番小さい子 is composed of 一番 (ichiban – number one/most), 小さい (chiisai – small) and 子 (ko – child/offspring).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 子 (ko) can be used to refer to animals (offspring) as well as human children, making it appropriate for describing the smallest in a litter.
How do you pronounce it?
ichiban chiisai ko
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, the 'runt' archetype is often linked to the ちび character trope, where the smallest member of a group possesses unexpected, overwhelming power.
- The word 子 (ko) used in 一番小さい子 behaves like a biological category, appearing in terms for everything from animal offspring to the 'seeds' of plants.
- While 一番小さい子 is neutral, the term ちび ('chibi') is often used as a nickname for the smallest in a group. In some contexts, however, calling an adult ちび can be seen as an insult to their height.
Examples in context
- この子犬は、一番小さい子です。Kono koinu wa, ichiban chiisai ko desu.This puppy is the smallest one.
- 一番小さい子を、優しくしてください。Ichiban chiisai ko o, yasashiku shite kudasai.Please be gentle with the smallest one.
- 一番小さい子は、まだ寝ています。Ichiban chiisai ko wa, mada nete imasu.The smallest one is still sleeping.
Example conversation
Two siblings are looking at a litter of kittens.
- 陽太 Yotaあ、一番小さい子を見つけたよ。A, ichiban chiisai ko o mitsuketa yo.Oh, I found the smallest one.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ、すごく可愛いね。Hontou da, sugoku kawaii ne.You're right, it's so cute.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、この子を撫でてもいい？Himari, kono ko o nadete mo ii?Himari, can I pet this one?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、いいよ。Un, ii yo.Yeah, you can.
