Meaning and Usage
The adjective 薄い (うすい) primarily means "thin" or "weak" and is used to describe physical thickness, intensity, or clarity. It can refer to tangible things like paper or liquids, as well as abstract concepts like explanations or feelings.
Common Contexts
- Physical thinness: paper, fabric, slices of food.
- Weakness in taste or concentration: coffee, soup, colors.
- Lack of clarity or depth: explanations, emotions, atmosphere.
Collocations and Patterns
- 薄い紙 (うすいかみ): thin paper
- 薄い味 (うすいあじ): weak flavor
- 薄い色 (うすいいろ): pale color
- 薄く切る (うすくきる): to cut thinly
Register and Nuance
This word is neutral and commonly used in everyday conversation. It can describe both physical and abstract qualities. When talking about liquids or flavors, 薄い implies something diluted or less intense.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 薄い with 細い (ほそい), which means "slender" or "thin" but usually refers to shapes like lines or objects rather than thickness. Remember, 薄い focuses on thickness or intensity, not shape.