チビ
chibi
The Japanese word for shorty is チビ (chibi).
チビ refers to a short person, a runt or a tiny person. While it can be used to describe an adult, it is very frequently used to refer to small children or much younger people in a way that is either condescending or intended to be cute.
Meaning: a short person (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is an informal term. It can be used as a teasing way to refer to someone small or as a derogatory nickname.
How does it change in a sentence?
チビ is a noun that does not change its form based on gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
chibi
Did you know?
- The word チビ has evolved into a global art style known as 'chibi', where characters are drawn with oversized heads and tiny bodies to look cute.
- While English speakers use 'shorty' as a slang term for a girlfriend or an attractive woman, using チビ in this way in Japan would be highly unusual and likely perceived as much more insulting. In Japanese, the term remains rooted in size rather than romantic slang.
- If you use チビ to describe someone, you might accidentally imply they are 'lacking substance' or 'insignificant' in character, not just physical height. This is because the root suggests something that is stunted or incomplete.
Examples in context
- 彼はチビだと言われて怒っている。Kare wa chibi da to iwarete okotte iru.He is angry because he was called a shorty.
- あのチビの子は元気だね。Ano chibi no ko wa genki da ne.That little shorty is energetic, isn't he?
- チビだから、高い棚には届かない。Chibi dakara, takai tana ni wa todokanai.Since I'm a shorty, I can't reach the high shelf.
Example conversation
Two friends are teasing each other about their height.
- 結衣 Yui蓮は本当にチビだね。Ren wa hontou ni chibi da ne.Ren, you really are a shorty.
- 蓮 Ren結衣に言われたくないよ。Yui ni iwaretakunai yo.I don't want to hear that from you, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiでも、可愛らしいよ。Demo, kawairashii yo.But, it's cute.
- 蓮 Renもう、やめてよ。Mou, yamete yo.Oh, stop it.
