Russian Short Adjectives

Did you know that we normally use the  short form of adjectives when we mean a temporary state (also applied to a concrete person or situation), and the long form of adjectives, when we mean a permanent state.

Он болен.
He is ill now.

Он больной.
He is an ill person.

Мне эти ботинки малы.
These shoes are too small (for me).

Эти ботинки маленькие.
These shoes are small (in general).