Japanese word

薄い

Pronunciation

Romajiusui

Meaning

  • i-adjectivethin

Example

この紙は薄いです。ko no kami wa usu i de su

This paper is thin.

Illustration for 薄い (thin)

More examples

このせんべいは薄いです。ko no se n be i wa usu i de su

This cracker is thin.

薄いコートでは、冬の朝は寒いです。usu i kō to de wa fuyu no asa wa samu i de su

A thin coat is not warm enough on a winter morning.

Core concept

Describes something as having little thickness, intensity, or strength, from a thin sheet to a pale color or a weak effect.

Common phrases

  • 薄い紙usu i kami

    thin paper

  • 薄い本usu i hon

    thin book

  • 薄い生地usu i ki ji

    thin fabric

Similar words

淡いawai: Describes a color or shade as light rather than deep or vivid.
弱いyowai: Describes a flavor or effect that has little strength.

Definition in Japanese

物の厚みや色・味などの濃さ、力の程度が少ない。mono no atsu mi ya iro aji na do no ko sa chikara no tei do ga suku na i

Word origin

The native Japanese adjective 薄い (usui) combines 薄 (usu, "thin") with the adjective ending い (i), extending the idea of little thickness to low color, flavor, or strength.

Usage tips

  • In a restaurant conversation, 味が薄い (aji ga usui) says that a dish lacks flavor and can sound like a mild complaint.

Other meanings

  • palei-adjective
  • weaki-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 薄さususathinnessnoun

Word lists with this word