窄 (zhǎi) - Narrow — describes something that has little width & cramped

窄Tone 3

zhǎi ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical: 穴

悦丈

窄 · zhǎi

Narrow — describes something that has little width;

cramped;

limited in space or scope;

also refers to a difficult situation or poverty.

Narrow — describes something that has little widthcrampedlimited in space or scope

Usage highlights

Narrow roadNarrow alleyNarrow mindNarrow escapeNarrow victoryNarrow scope

Synonyms

  • 狭— narrow, tight
  • 隘— narrow, confined

Antonyms

  • 宽— wide, broad
  • 广— wide, extensive
  • 阔— wide, broad

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This road is too narrow (这条路太窄).
  • The room feels cramped (房间很窄).
  • He has a narrow range of interests (他的兴趣范围很窄).
  • Living in poverty (日子过得窄).

Collocations

  • Narrow road(窄路)
  • Narrow alley(窄巷)
  • Narrow mind(心胸窄)
  • Narrow escape(侥幸脱险)
  • Narrow victory(险胜)
  • Narrow scope(范围窄)

Idioms

  • Walking a single-plank bridge(独木窄桥)
  • Narrow path and small door(窄路小门)
  • Narrow encounters the wide(窄路相逢)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture, narrow alleys (窄巷) were common in residential areas.
  • The concept of 'narrow' often carries negative connotations of limitation and difficulty.
  • In Buddhist context, 'narrow gate' represents the difficult path to enlightenment.

FAQ