手狭

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 手狭, read てぜま, and it is a na-adjectival expression describing a space as inadequate for its purpose or occupants.
• Basic usage: The basic sense of 手狭 is cramped or too small for the number of people present or the activity being performed.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Suitability rather than absolute size
  • The forms are 手狭に and 手狭だ. They describe a space as inadequate relative to a family or task, not merely by giving its physical dimensions.
• A growing family and shared work
  • 家族が増えて今の部屋では手狭になった。 — With our family growing, the current room has become too cramped.
  • この部屋は二人で作業するには少し手狭だ。 — This room is a little too small for two people to work in.