Translation and Meaning of: 僅 - kin

The Japanese word 僅[きん] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. If you have come across this term in texts or conversations and are curious, you are in the right place.

In addition to understanding the literal translation, we will see how 僅[きん] appears in real contexts and why it is less common than other similar words. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo is a great reference. Shall we begin?

Meaning and usage of 僅[きん]

The term 僅[きん] means "few," "scant," or "minimal." It is used to describe insignificant quantities or something that is on the edge of perceptibility. For example, it can refer to an almost imperceptible difference between two values or a very short time.

Unlike words like 少し[すこし] or わずか, which are more common in everyday life, 僅[きん] has a more formal and literary tone. You will hardly hear it in casual conversations, but you may find it in written texts, news articles, or technical discussions.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 僅 is composed of the radical 人 (person) combined with 堇, which in the past represented something difficult or rare. This combination reinforces the idea of something so small that it almost doesn’t exist. The reading きん comes from classical Chinese, showing how the word was incorporated into Japanese centuries ago.

It's worth noting that this kanji is not one of the most common. It appears in only 0.0011% of modern Japanese texts, according to the database of the National Institute for Japanese Language. This explains why many students never encounter it until advanced levels.

Usage contexts and practical examples

In newspapers or financial reports, 僅[きん] often describes minimal variations. You might read sentences like "僅差で勝つ" (to win by a narrow margin) in sports or election results. This usage maintains the objective tone that the word carries.

Outside of a formal environment, 僅[きん] appears in fixed expressions such as 僅少[きんしょう] (very small quantity) or 僅かながら[わずかながら] (although it is little). If you want to memorize it, focusing on these combinations may be more helpful than trying to use it in isolation.