Entry
ちんまり
chinmari
Describes something that is small, neatly arranged, compact, and cozy.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word depicts something that is small but fits perfectly, is neat, and feels cozy, such as a compact room. It also describes a living thing curling up or sitting in a way that makes it look small, snug, and endearing.
- Small, snug posture
- Compact, cozy spaces
Sense Map
Sitting Posture
Describes a living creature tucking its body in or sitting in a way that makes it look small and snug.
隅にちんまり座る
Compact Spaces
Describes objects, rooms, or houses that are small in scale but neatly organized and cozy.
ちんまりした家
Usage Note
How to Use
ちんまり(と) + verb
Describes an action done in a way that results in a small, neat, or cozy appearance.
ちんまりする / ちんまりしている
Indicates the state of something being inherently small, compact, and neatly arranged.
ちんまりした + noun
Modifies a noun to describe it as compact and cozy.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ちんまりと座る
to sit snugly and quietly
ちんまりとまとまる
to be neatly and compactly arranged
ちんまりした家
a cozy, compact house
ちんまり収まる
to fit snugly into a space
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing a room or house. | positive | Indicates that the space, despite being small, is very well-arranged, cozy, and not claustrophobic. |
| Describing how an animal or person sits. | neutral/cute | Gives the impression that the creature is shrinking its body, making it look small, snug, and endearing. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こぢんまり こぢんまり / similar | Used for spaces, shops, or organizations that are small but well-structured and properly managed. | Unlike chinmari, which highlights a cute or snug visual posture, kodzinmari focuses on a well-arranged scale and doesn't necessarily imply cuteness. | こぢんまりとした店 |
すっぽり すっぽり / similar | Used when something is completely covered or fits entirely and perfectly into a container. | Chinmari focuses on being small and neatly arranged, whereas suppori emphasizes being completely enveloped without sticking out. | すっぽり収まる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using chinmari to describe clothes that are too tight.
Chinmari means small and cozy. For tight-fitting clothes, use picchiri.
Using it to describe a majestic, wide-open natural landscape.
This word specifically describes things that are small-scale and give a private or cozy impression, not grand places.
Examples
Examples
子猫が箱の中にちんまりと収まっている。
こねこが はこのなかに ちんまりと おさまっている。
The kitten fits snugly and comfortably inside the box.
VisualShows the cute, snug posture of a small animal in a confined space.
部屋の隅でちんまり座っている。
へやの すみで ちんまり すわっている。
Sitting snugly and quietly in the corner of the room.
VisualDescribes someone or an animal making themselves as small as possible.
夫婦二人でちんまりした家に住んでいる。
ふうふ ふたりで ちんまりした いえに すんでいる。
The married couple lives together in a cozy, compact house.
VisualFocuses on the house being small yet comfortable and well-kept.
お盆の上に茶碗がちんまりと乗っている。
おぼんの うえに ちゃわんが ちんまりと のっている。
The teacup sits neatly and compactly on the tray.
VisualUsed for small objects resting neatly in a specific spot.
小さな庭をちんまりとまとめる。
ちいさな にわを ちんまりと まとめる。
Arranging a small garden so it looks neat and compactly organized.
VisualShows the action of organizing a space to be snug and beautiful despite its limited size.
Similar Words
こぢんまり
kodzinmari
Both mean small and organized, but kodzinmari focuses more on well-managed modest-sized buildings or spaces.
Questions
Can I use chinmari to describe an adult?
Yes. If an adult is sitting curled up or tucking themselves into a corner making them look small, you can use chinmari.
What is the main difference between chinmari and kodzinmari?
Both mean small and neat, but chinmari is frequently used for the snug posture of living things, while kodzinmari is common for well-managed buildings or organizations.
Does chinmari have a negative meaning like cramped?
No. It carries a positive nuance of something being compact, neat, and cozy. For uncomfortable cramped spaces, use semai or kyuukutsu.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2166700
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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