How to say "cramped" in Japanese

• 窮屈きゅうくつJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'cramped' with a nuance of discomfort or restriction, whether physical or emotional, such as feeling confined in tight clothing, a small seat, or a restrictive situation. Choose it when the tightness is felt as unpleasant.
  列車れっしゃのコンパートメントはすぐ窮屈きゅうくつになる。↗

  Train compartments soon get cramped.
• 手狭てぜまCommon
  na-adjectiveRefers specifically to a room, office, or other premises being too small for the purpose at hand, often implying it has become insufficient. It is a natural choice when 'cramped' means 'too small for our needs' rather than merely narrow.
  この部屋へやはとても手狭てぜまなので、もうこれ以上いじょう家具かぐを置おくのはむりだよ。↗

  This room is very small, so it is impossible to put more furniture in it.
• 狭いせまいJLPT N5approx.Common
  i-adjectiveThe plain everyday adjective for physically narrow or small spaces, such as a room, street, or parking spot. For 'cramped' in a purely physical, descriptive sense it is often the simplest and most natural word to use.
  この部屋へやは私わたしたちにとって狭せますぎる。↗

  This room is too small for us.

「狭い」 is the plain everyday adjective for physically small or tight spaces; 窮屈 adds a feeling of discomfort or restriction, and 手狭 describes a room or premises being too small for practical needs.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 窮屈きゅうくつnarrow
• 手狭てぜまnarrow
• 狭いせまいnarrow
• 狭苦しいせまくるしいcramped
• 狭小きょうしょうnarrow
• せせこましいnarrow
• 所狭いところせまいcrowded
• 所狭しとところせましとcrowded