A1 noun Neutral #2,513 most common

縮小

shukushō /ɕɯkɯ̥ɕoː/

The act of reducing the size, scale, or scope of something. It is commonly used when talking about downsizing operations, shrinking digital images, or narrowing the range of a project.

Examples

3 of 5
1

この写真を縮小してプリントしてください。

Please shrink this photo and print it.

2

予算の都合で、計画を縮小することになりました。

Due to budget constraints, it was decided to scale back the plan.

3

画像が大きすぎるから、少し縮小して送って。

The image is too big, so shrink it a bit before sending.

Word Family

Noun
縮小
Verb
縮小する
Adjective
縮小された
Related
短縮
💡

Memory Tip

Look at the left side of the first kanji (縮). The 'thread' radical (糸) suggests pulling threads tight to make a piece of cloth smaller.

Quick Quiz

データが重いので、画像を( )してから送ってください。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 縮小

Examples

1

この写真を縮小してプリントしてください。

everyday

Please shrink this photo and print it.

2

予算の都合で、計画を縮小することになりました。

formal

Due to budget constraints, it was decided to scale back the plan.

3

画像が大きすぎるから、少し縮小して送って。

informal

The image is too big, so shrink it a bit before sending.

4

人口の縮小は、地方都市にとって深刻な課題である。

academic

Population reduction is a serious issue for regional cities.

5

来期は不採算部門の事業を縮小する予定です。

business

We plan to downsize the operations of unprofitable departments next term.

Word Family

Noun
縮小
Verb
縮小する
Adjective
縮小された
Related
短縮

Common Collocations

規模を縮小する to scale down the size
画像を縮小する to shrink an image
予算を縮小する to reduce the budget
縮小コピー reduced-size copy
範囲を縮小する to narrow the scope

Common Phrases

規模の縮小

downsizing / reduction in scale

縮小均衡

equilibrium on a diminishing scale

事業縮小

business downsizing

Often Confused With

縮小 vs 減少

Genshō refers specifically to a decrease in number or quantity, while shukushō refers to a reduction in physical size or organizational scale.

📝

Usage Notes

It is most frequently used for digital media (resizing windows/images) and business contexts (reducing the scale of operations). It carries a more technical or formal tone than the simple verb 'chiisaku suru'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use this word when they mean 'to lower' a price or volume; however, 'shukushō' is strictly for size and scale, not for levels or intensity.

💡

Memory Tip

Look at the left side of the first kanji (縮). The 'thread' radical (糸) suggests pulling threads tight to make a piece of cloth smaller.

📖

Word Origin

Composed of 'shuku' (縮 - to shrink/wrinkle) and 'shō' (小 - small).

Grammar Patterns

Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (縮小する). Often follows the pattern [Object] + を + 縮小する.
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japan, 'jigyō shukushō' (business downsizing) is a common term in news reports regarding economic restructuring.

Quick Quiz

データが重いので、画像を( )してから送ってください。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 縮小

Related Words

打ち合わせ

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A preliminary meeting or discussion held to coordinate details and make arrangements before an event or project. It is used to ensure all parties involved are in agreement on the plan of action.

指示

A1

An instruction or direction given by someone to explain how to do something or where to go. It is frequently used in professional or educational settings to denote specific orders or guidelines provided by a superior.

命令

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A command or order given by a person in authority to a subordinate. It implies that the person receiving the command is expected to follow it without question.

規制

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The act of controlling or limiting something through rules, laws, or official authority. It is commonly used to describe government policies, traffic control, or organizational restrictions to maintain order or safety.

処罰

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A formal action taken to penalize someone for breaking a law, rule, or regulation. It refers to the official imposition of a penalty or sentence by an authority figure or institution.

罰金

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A sum of money that someone is ordered to pay as a penalty for breaking a law or rule. It is most commonly associated with traffic violations, administrative offenses, or minor crimes.

裁判

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A formal legal process where a judge or court hears evidence to decide a legal case or dispute. It refers to a trial, judgment, or the act of adjudication within a judicial system.

弁護

A1

Bengo refers to the act of defending or advocating for someone, particularly in a legal setting or during an argument. It involves speaking in support of another person to protect their rights or justify their actions.

告訴

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A formal criminal complaint or legal accusation filed by a victim to the police or a prosecutor. It specifically refers to the victim's request for the offender to be punished under criminal law.

訴訟

A1

A formal legal process where a dispute is brought before a court for a judicial decision. It typically involves a plaintiff seeking a legal remedy against a defendant through the court system.

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