Japanese word

安っぽい

Pronunciation

Romajiyasuppoi

Meaning

  • i-adjectivecheap-looking

Example

この時計は安っぽいです。ko no tokei wa yasu ppo i de su

This watch looks cheap.

Illustration for 安っぽい (cheap-looking)

More examples

その店の内装は少し安っぽいです。so no mise no nai sō wa suko shi yasu ppo i de su

The interior of that store looks a little cheap.

Core concept

Describes something that appears inexpensive or poorly made, regardless of its actual price.

Common phrases

  • 安っぽい服yasu ppo i fuku

    cheap-looking clothes

  • 安っぽいデザインyasu ppo i de za i n

    cheap-looking design

  • 安っぽい靴yasu ppo i kutsu

    cheap-looking shoes

Similar words

安物っぽいyasumonoppoi: Describes something that looks like a low-priced item.
ちゃちいchachii: Describes something that looks flimsy, poorly made, or lacking in quality.
みすぼらしいmisuborashii: Looks shabby and lacks neatness or a sense of quality.

Definition in Japanese

値段が安く品質や仕上がりも低そうに見えるさま。ne dan ga yasu ku hin shitsu ya shi a ga ri mo hiku sō ni mi e ru sa ma

Word origin

The native Japanese adjective 安っぽい (yasuppoi) combines 安い (yasui, "inexpensive") with the suffix っぽい (ppoi, "having the appearance of"), with a sound change at the boundary.

Usage tips

  • In product reviews, 安っぽい (yasuppoi) often targets the finish or materials rather than the function, so a well-working watch can still receive this criticism.

Other meanings

  • tackyi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 安っぽさyasupposacheapnessnoun

Word lists with this word