Meaning
The kanji 短 describes 'shortness' in every sense—whether you are talking about physical length, the passing of time, or even a person's temperament. At the N4 level, it is a foundational character used for both simple adjectives and more abstract formal vocabulary. Structurally, it is a phono-semantic compound. On the left, we see the radical 矢 (shi/ya), meaning 'arrow'. On the right is 豆 (tou/mame), which literally means 'bean' but historically represented a small sacrificial vessel.
The logic is simple: an arrow is naturally shorter than a bow or a spear. When paired with a small vessel or a tiny bean, the character emphasizes a lack of length or the attainment of only a small measure. Beyond physical dimensions, 短 often implies a 'defect' or 'weakness,' suggesting something 'falls short' of a standard. This is why you will see it in words describing character flaws. Taught in the 3rd grade, it serves as the direct antonym to 長 (long). Together, they form 長短 (choutan), meaning 'length' or 'merits and demerits.'
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi is タン (tan). You will use this reading in most compound words (jukugo), especially those that are formal or technical. The 'tan' sound is sharp and clipped, making it easy to remember in words related to quickness or efficiency.
Key compounds using タン include:
- 短所 (tansho) — a weak point or defect
- 短期 (tanki) — a short term or period
- 短気 (tanki) — short-tempered or impatient
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The native reading is みじか.い (mijika-i). As an i-adjective, this is the standard way to describe a short pencil, a brief vacation, or a short story in daily life. The stem みじか can also become an adverb (みじかく) to describe shortening an object or a duration.
Key words using みじか.い include:
- 短い (mijikai) — short (adjective)
- 手短に (temijika ni) — briefly or quickly
- 足が短い (ashi ga mijikai) — to have short legs
Common Words & Compounds
This kanji is highly versatile. Here are common examples categorized by how they are used:
Time and Duration
- 短時間 (tanjikan) — a short time or brief interval
- 短縮 (tanshuku) — reduction or shortening (e.g., of hours)
- 短期大学 (tanki daigaku) — junior college (literally 'short-term university')
Character and Evaluation
- 短所 (tansho) — a flaw or shortcoming (opposite of 長所 - strength)
- 短気 (tanki) — having a short fuse
- 長短 (choutan) — length, or pros and cons
Literature and Content
- 短編小説 (tanpen shousetsu) — a short story
- 短文 (tanbun) — a short sentence
- 短歌 (tanka) — traditional 31-syllable Japanese poetry
Example Sentences
夏休みはとても短かったです。
natsuyasumi wa totemo mijikakatta desu.
The summer vacation was very short.
この鉛筆は短すぎて使いにくいです。
kono enpitsu wa mijikasugite tsukainikui desu.
This pencil is too short and hard to use.
彼は短気な性格なので、すぐに怒ります。
kare wa tanki na seikaku nanode, sugu ni okorimasu.
He is short-tempered, so he gets angry easily.
自分の短所を直したいと思っています。
jibun no tansho wo naoshitai to omotte imasu.
I want to work on fixing my own shortcomings.
会議の時間を１０分短縮しましょう。
kaigi no jikan wo juppun tanshuku shimashou.
Let's shorten the meeting by ten minutes.
この本はいくつかおもしろい短編が入っています。
kono hon wa ikutsuka omoshiroi tanpen ga haitte imasu.
This book contains several interesting short stories.
彼女は短大で経済を学びました。
kanojo wa tandai de keizai wo manabimashita.
She studied economics at a junior college.
手短に用件を話してください。
temijika ni youken wo hanashite kudasai.
Please state your business briefly.
Related Kanji
- 計 — Plan, Measure, Calculate (Kanji N4)
- 度 — Degree, Time, Occurrence (Kanji N4)
- 悪 — Bad, Evil, Wrong (Kanji N4)
- 明 — Bright, Clear, Light (Kanji N4)
- 近 — Near, Close, Recent (Kanji N4)
- 春 — Spring (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
Visualize an arrow (矢) placed next to a bean (豆). A bow is long, but the arrow itself is a short projectile. Similarly, a bean is one of the smallest things you can grow. When you see a short arrow next to a tiny bean, you have the ultimate recipe for 'shortness.' You can also imagine measuring the length of an arrow and finding out it is only as long as a few beans!