Translation and Meaning of: 縮まる - chidimaru

If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, you may have come across the word 縮まる (ちぢまる, chidimaru). It may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances that are worth exploring. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, everyday use, and even tips for efficiently memorizing this word. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or to better understand Japanese culture, here you will find useful and practical information.

The meaning and use of 縮まる

The word 縮まる is a Japanese verb that means "to shrink," "to reduce," or "to contract." It is often used to describe physical objects that decrease in size, such as clothes that shrink after washing or materials that contract with heat. However, its use is not limited to the literal sense. In more abstract contexts, 縮まる can indicate a reduction in emotional or social scope, such as when someone feels intimidated in a situation.

A common example is the phrase "寒くて体が縮まる" (samukute karada ga chidimaru), which means "the body shrinks from the cold." This type of expression shows how the word is rooted in the everyday life of the Japanese, vividly describing physical sensations. It is worth noting that 縮まる is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes an action that occurs on its own, without the need for an external agent.

The origin and writing of 縮まる

The kanji 縮 is composed of the radical 糸 (ito, "thread") and the component 宿 (shuku, "inn" or "residence"). This combination suggests the idea of something that gathers or contracts, like a fabric that shrinks when exposed to heat. The etymology reinforces the sense of physical reduction, but it can also be associated with more subtle concepts, such as the shortening of distances or deadlines.

Regarding pronunciation, ちぢまる (chidimaru) is a kun'yomi reading, which means it's native to Japanese. This makes it more common in informal contexts and daily life, unlike words with on'yomi readings, which tend to appear in technical or compound terms. If you are learning Japanese, paying attention to these differences can help you use the word more naturally.

Tips for memorizing 縮まる

An effective way to memorize 縮まる is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, imagine a shirt shrinking in the washing machine — this image can serve as a mental trigger to remember the meaning. Another strategy is to create flashcards with practical sentences, such as "このセーターは洗濯で縮まった" (kono seetaa wa sentaku de chidimatta, "this sweater shrank in the wash").

Additionally, observing the kanji 縮 can facilitate learning. The radical 糸 (ito, "thread") appears in other words related to fabrics and fibers, such as 織物 (orimono, "fabric") and 繊維 (sen'i, "fiber"). This visual connection helps to build a network of meanings in your mind, making memorization more intuitive and lasting.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 縮まる

• 縮まる - Infinitive form
• 縮まった - past form
• 縮まります - Form in the present
• 縮まれる - passive form
• 縮まれます - Passive form in the present tense
• 縮まれた - Past passive form
• 縮まろう - imperative form
• 縮まるでしょう - Polite form in the present

Synonyms and similar words

• 縮める (chijimeru) - Shorten, reduce, make something smaller.
• 縮まる (chijimaru) - To shorten, to become smaller; it usually refers to something that is shortened involuntarily or naturally.

縮まる

Romaji: chidimaru
Kana: ちぢまる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: be abbreviated; be contracted; shrink

Meaning in English: to be shortened;to be contracted;to shrink

Definition: To make something smaller.

Example Sentences - (縮まる) chidimaru

See below some example sentences:

距離が縮まる。

Kyori ga chijimaru

The distance shortens.

The distance shrinks.

• 距離 - Distance
• が - subject particle
• 縮まる - shorten, reduce