Entry
ちまちま
chimachima
Something small-scale, petty, or done bit by bit, often carrying a slightly negative nuance.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes something physically small or actions taken on a meager, painstaking scale. It is frequently used with a slightly frustrated or dismissive tone to describe petty behavior, stinginess, or focusing too much on trivial details.
- Small-scale actions
- Petty or stingy attitude
Sense Map
Small-scale Tasks
Describes actions or tasks done painstakingly on a very small, meager scale.
ちまちま作業を続ける
Petty Behavior
Describes a small-minded, stingy, or petty personality and actions.
ちまちました男だ
Usage Note
How to Use
ちまちまする
Used as a verb to indicate doing things on a small scale or acting petty.
ちまちまと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe doing an action bit by bit or painstakingly.
ちまちました + noun
Used to modify a noun, describing it as small, petty, or meager.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちまちました字
small and cramped writing
ちまちま働く
work on small tasks
ちまちまと貯金する
save money bit by bit
ちまちました男
petty man
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Actions and Tasks | negative | Often used with a sense of frustration when seeing slow, overly small-scale work. |
| Attitude and Money | negative | Describes a stingy or small-minded person who cares too much about trivial details. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こまごま こまごま / similar | Used for various small, detailed things or tasks. | こまごま is neutral for detailed variety, whereas ちまちま carries a negative, petty connotation. | こまごまとした用事 |
ちょこちょこ ちょこちょこ / similar | Used for small, quick movements or frequent occurrences. | ちょこちょこ focuses on restless motion or frequency, while ちまちま focuses on small scale and pettiness. | ちょこちょこ歩く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to compliment small, cute things.
This word has a negative nuance. Use 'kawaii' or 'chiisai' for compliments.
Using it to praise highly detailed, excellent work.
For praise, use 'komagoma' or 'teinei'. 'Chimachima' implies the work is annoyingly petty.
Examples
Examples
ちまちま作業を続ける。
ちまちまさぎょうをつづける。
Continuing to do small, painstaking tasks.
LiteralFocuses on the small, painstaking nature of the task.
ちまちました字で書く。
ちまちましたじでかく。
Writing in small, cramped letters.
VisualDescribes handwriting that is overly small and hard to read.
ちまちまと貯金する。
ちまちまとちょきんする。
Saving money in small, meager amounts.
FigurativePutting aside a very small amount of money at a time.
彼はちまちました男だ。
かれはちまちましたおとこだ。
He is a petty man.
FigurativeDescribes a small-minded or petty personality.
お金をちまちま使う。
おかねをちまちまつかう。
Spending money stingily.
LiteralUsing resources meagerly or in a stingy manner.
Similar Words
こまごま
komagoma
Indicates detail and variety, without the petty nuance.
Questions
Can 'chimachima' be used in formal situations?
No, it is casual language and can sound rude.
What is the difference between 'chimachima' and 'chiisai'?
'Chiisai' just means small. 'Chimachima' has a negative connotation about being too petty or meager.
Is this word only used for money?
No, it can also be used for slow painstaking actions, cramped writing, or a petty personality.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2067570
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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