薄い

うすい
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

Thin — having little thickness (for objects like paper, cloth, slices, etc.).

I-Adjective

Examples

この紙は薄くて透けて見える。

This paper is thin and somewhat see-through.

季節外れなので布団は薄い一枚で十分だ。

Because it's out of season, a thin futon is enough.

2

Pale; light; faint — of color, sound, or appearance having low intensity.

I-Adjective

Examples

彼女は薄い青のワンピースを着ていた。

She was wearing a light-blue dress.

窓の外は薄い霧がかかっていた。

A light mist hung outside the window.

3

Watery; diluted — lacking concentration or strength, as with drinks or soups.

I-Adjective

Examples

この紅茶は薄くて香りが弱い。

This tea is weak and has little aroma.

汁が薄いから、もう少し塩を足してください。

The broth is weak; please add a bit more salt.

4

Weak; lacking strength or presence — used for tastes, feelings, relationships, or influence.

I-Adjective

Examples

彼らの結びつきは薄く、ほとんど交流がない。

Their ties are weak; they hardly interact.

最近は彼への関心が薄くなってきた。

Lately my interest in him has waned.

5

Slim; small — indicating low probability or small amount (e.g., chances or likelihood).

I-Adjective

Examples

雨の可能性は薄いと言われているが、念のため傘を持っていく。

They say the chance of rain is slim, but I'll take an umbrella just in case.

合格の望みは薄いが、最後まであきらめないつもりだ。

The hope of passing is slim, but I won't give up until the end.

6

Sparse; patchy — having low density or being scattered (e.g., sparse staffing, vegetation).

I-Adjective

Examples

この時間帯は客が薄く、店は静かだ。

At this time there are few customers; the shop is quiet.

山の上は植生が薄く、土がむき出しになっている場所もある。

Vegetation on the mountain top is sparse, and there are places where the soil is exposed.

Word Relationships