ε°
JLPT N5
Small, little, minor
Readings
Onβyomi: γ·γ§γ¦ ()
Kunβyomi: γ‘γγγ,
γ,
γ (chiisai, ko, o)
γ,
γ (chiisai, ko, o)
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
ε°γγ
γ‘γγγ
small
ε°ε¦ζ ‘
γγγγγ£γγ
elementary school
ε°γγͺ
γ‘γγγͺ
little
ε°θͺ¬
γγγγγ€
novel
ε°ι³₯
γγ¨γ
small bird
Example Sentences
ε°γγη¬γγγΎγγ
γ‘γγγ γγ¬γ γγΎγγ
There is a small dog.
ε°ε¦ζ ‘γΈθ‘γγΎγγ
γγγγγ£γγγΈ γγγΎγγ
I go to elementary school.
ε°γγͺηΊγ§γγ
γ‘γγγͺ γΎγ‘γ§γγ
It is a small town.
ε°θͺ¬γθͺγΏγΎγγ
γγγγγ€γ γγΏγΎγγ
I read a novel.
ε°ι³₯γ鳴γγ¦γγΎγγ
γγ¨γγ γͺγγ¦γγΎγγ
A small bird is singing.
Cultural Note
In Japanese culture, smallness (ε°) is not negative β it often expresses cuteness, modesty, or delicacy, which are admired qualities.
1. Kawaii (γγγγ) culture cherishes small, delicate things β baby animals, mini food portions, soft objects. This reflects the βsmall = adorableβ mindset.
2. Many Japanese names and words use ε° affectionately:
o ε°ζοΌγγ°γγοΌ β small forest (a common surname)
o ε°η°οΌγγ οΌ β small rice field
o ε°ζΎοΌγγΎγ€οΌ β small pine
The use of ε° in names gives a sense of warmth and humility.
3. In the Japanese aesthetic sense, βless is moreβ β simplicity and subtlety (small details) are considered beautiful, reflected in design, gardens, and tea ceremonies.
β Small gestures and quiet elegance embody βε°γγͺηΎβ (chiisana bi) β the beauty of smallness.
1. Kawaii (γγγγ) culture cherishes small, delicate things β baby animals, mini food portions, soft objects. This reflects the βsmall = adorableβ mindset.
2. Many Japanese names and words use ε° affectionately:
o ε°ζοΌγγ°γγοΌ β small forest (a common surname)
o ε°η°οΌγγ οΌ β small rice field
o ε°ζΎοΌγγΎγ€οΌ β small pine
The use of ε° in names gives a sense of warmth and humility.
3. In the Japanese aesthetic sense, βless is moreβ β simplicity and subtlety (small details) are considered beautiful, reflected in design, gardens, and tea ceremonies.
β Small gestures and quiet elegance embody βε°γγͺηΎβ (chiisana bi) β the beauty of smallness.