Meaning and Usage
The adjective 厚い (あつい) primarily means "thick" when describing physical objects like paper, coats, or walls. It also conveys warmth or depth of feeling, such as kindness or strong emotional bonds.
Common Contexts
- Physical thickness: paper, clothing, walls.
- Emotional warmth: kindness, loyalty, or deep feelings toward others.
Collocations and Patterns
- 厚い心 (あついこころ): warm-hearted, kind feelings.
- 厚いコート (あついコート): thick coat.
- 厚い紙 (あついかみ): thick paper.
Usage Notes
When using 厚い to describe emotions, it often implies a strong, sincere, and sometimes long-lasting feeling. For physical objects, it simply describes the dimension from one surface to another. Be careful not to confuse 厚い with 熱い (also read あつい), which means "hot" in temperature.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 厚い (thick) with 熱い (hot). Remember: 厚い relates to thickness or depth, while 熱い relates to temperature or heat.