Japanese word

安い

Pronunciation

Romajiyasui

Meaning

  • i-adjectivecheap

Example

このりんごは安いです。ko no ri n go wa yasu i de su

This apple is cheap.

Illustration for 安い (cheap)

More examples

このえんぴつは安いです。ko no e n pi tsu wa yasu i de su

This pencil is cheap.

その靴は思ったより安かったです。so no kutsu wa omo tta yo ri yasu ka tta de su

Those shoes were cheaper than I expected.

Core concept

安い (yasui) describes something that costs little money, focusing on a low price rather than on quality.

Common phrases

  • 安いホテルyasu i ho te ru

    cheap hotel

  • 安い料金yasu i ryō kin

    low fee

  • 安くなるyasu ku na ru

    become cheaper

Similar words

安っぽいyasuppoi: Describes an appearance or quality that suggests low-cost materials or work.
低いhikui: Describes a price, fee, or amount that is small compared with a usual level.

Definition in Japanese

物の値段が低く、少ない金額で買えるさま。mono no ne dan ga hiku ku suku na i kin gaku de ka e ru sa ma

Word origin

安い (yasui) comes from native Japanese 安し (yasushi), an adjective formed with the ending し (shi); the modern form reflects the historical change from し (shi) to い (i).

Usage tips

  • 安い (yasui) can describe a price, fee, or service, and its polite form appears in the useful beginner pattern 安いです (yasui desu).

Opposites

Related words

  • 安さyasusacheapnessnoun

Word lists with this word