Meaning and Usage
"重い" (おもい) primarily means "heavy" in a physical sense, such as describing the weight of an object. However, it is also commonly used metaphorically to describe feelings or atmospheres that feel "heavy" or "serious," such as a heavy mood or a serious conversation.
Common Collocations
- 重いかばん (heavy bag): physical weight
- 頭が重い (head feels heavy): physical discomfort or tiredness
- 重い話 (heavy story): serious or emotionally heavy topic
Usage Notes
When using "重い" to describe physical weight, it is straightforward and neutral. When used metaphorically, it often implies seriousness or emotional burden. Be careful not to confuse "重い" with "重たい" (おもたい), which is a more casual or colloquial variant but means the same.
Register and Politeness
"重い" is a common adjective used in both casual and polite contexts. It can be used in everyday conversation as well as in formal speech.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "重い" with "重たい". Both mean "heavy," but "重たい" is more informal and often used in spoken language. For writing or formal speech, "重い" is preferred.