adjective HSK 4
narrow · tight · cramped
Meaning
窄 describes something that has a small width or limited space from side to side. It's the opposite of 宽 (wide) and can refer to physical spaces like roads, rooms, or clothing, as well as metaphorically to narrow-mindedness or limited perspectives.
Usage
Commonly used to describe streets, alleys, rooms, and clothing that doesn't fit well. Often appears in the pattern 太窄了 (too narrow) or 很窄 (very narrow). Native speakers frequently use it when discussing space constraints in everyday situations, from describing tight parking spots to cramped living conditions.
Examples
- 01这条街太窄了，两辆车都过不去。, .This street is too narrow for two cars to pass.
- 02这件裤子有点儿窄，我穿着不太舒服。, .These pants are a bit tight, I'm not very comfortable wearing them.
Common collocations
- 太窄了too narrow
- 窄路narrow road
- 窄巷子narrow alley
- 又长又窄long and narrow
Antonyms
Origin
The character 窄 combines the roof radical 穴 (cave/hole) with 乍 (suddenly), originally suggesting a confined or restricted space like a narrow cave opening.