細い
This word describes something that is thin or slender, often used for things like pencils, legs, or strings.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we're learning 細い (hosoi). It means 'thin'. Imagine a very thin pencil. That pencil is hosoi. Or think of a skinny noodle, like spaghetti. It is also hosoi. So, hosoi is for things that are not fat, but thin! You can say: Hosoi pen (thin pencil). It's a simple word to describe something small and not wide.
Let's learn 細い (hosoi), which means 'thin' or 'slender'. You use this word when something doesn't have much width. For example, a hosoi string is a thin string. A person with hosoi legs has slim legs. It’s different from 'fat' (太い - futoi). So, if you see a thin tree branch, you can call it hosoi. It’s a useful word for describing shapes!
The Japanese adjective 細い (hosoi) translates to 'thin', 'slender', or 'narrow'. It's used to describe objects or people that lack thickness or width. For instance, you might refer to a hosoi iro (細い糸 - thin thread) or a hosoi kao (細い顔 - slender face). When describing a person's build, 'hosoi' implies slimness, often seen as elegant. Remember, it's the opposite of 'futoi' (fat, thick).
細い (hosoi) is a versatile adjective signifying 'thin', 'slender', 'narrow', or 'fine'. Its application extends beyond simple dimensions. In describing people, it suggests a slim, graceful physique (e.g., hosoi shintai - slender body). It can also denote a delicate quality, like a hosoi koe (細い声 - thin/reedy voice), implying weakness or fragility. Context is key; while often neutral or positive, it can sometimes imply fragility or a lack of substance depending on what is being described.
The adjective 細い (hosoi) denotes a lack of width or thickness, often implying elegance, delicacy, or sometimes fragility. Beyond its literal application to physical objects (hosoi hashi - thin chopsticks) and builds (hosoi senaka - slender back), it can be used metaphorically. For example, hosoi kibō (細い希望 - a faint hope) uses the sense of thinness to convey a small or precarious chance. Understanding its nuances allows for more sophisticated expression, distinguishing it from mere 'smallness' by focusing specifically on the dimension of width or girth.
細い (hosoi), originating from the kanji 細 (thread, fine), fundamentally describes a reduced diameter or width. Its semantic range encompasses physical thinness (hosoi kabe - thin wall), slenderness (hosoi nagareboshi - slender shooting star), and narrowness (hosoi kairo - narrow passage). Figuratively, it can denote precariousness (hosoi kageki - a narrow margin) or subtlety (hosoi chigai - a fine distinction). The term's historical association with fine crafts, like silk weaving, imbues it with connotations of delicacy and precision. Its usage can range from objective description to subjective aesthetic appreciation of fineness and elegance, contrasting sharply with the robustness implied by its antonym, 太い (futoi).
الكلمة في 30 ثانية
- Hosoi (細い) means thin, slender, or narrow.
- It's an i-adjective commonly used for objects, people, and even abstract concepts.
- Key contexts include describing physical dimensions, elegance, and delicate qualities.
- Remember its antonym is futoi (太い - thick/fat).
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese word 細い (hosoi). This adjective is super useful when you want to describe something that's not thick or wide, but rather has a delicate, slender quality. Think of things like a thin pencil, a slender waist, or even a narrow path. It paints a picture of something delicate and fine, rather than bulky or robust.
You'll find 'hosoi' popping up in all sorts of everyday situations. It's a fantastic word to have in your vocabulary because it allows you to be precise in your descriptions. Whether you're talking about the thinness of a noodle, the slimness of a person's fingers, or the narrowness of a river, 'hosoi' helps you convey that sense of delicate proportion. It's all about that lack of thickness, making things appear elegant or even fragile depending on the context.
So, next time you see something that's long and thin, or just generally not wide, remember 'hosoi'! It’s a versatile word that adds a lovely nuance to your Japanese. Keep practicing, and you'll be using it like a native in no time!
The word 細い (hosoi) has roots stretching back into ancient Japanese. Its kanji character, 細, is composed of the radical 糸 (ito), meaning 'thread' or 'silk', and the component 𠂉 (kō), which often relates to smallness or delicacy. This combination beautifully captures the essence of 'hosoi' – something fine and thin like a thread.
Historically, the concept of thinness was important in many aspects of Japanese life, from the weaving of silk for kimonos to the crafting of delicate tools. The word likely evolved to describe these fine, thread-like qualities. In older Japanese texts, you might find variations or related terms that also emphasized this characteristic of being slender or minute.
Interestingly, the kanji 細 itself has a long history, appearing in various forms across East Asian languages. While the precise etymological journey can be complex, the core idea of 'fineness' and 'thinness' has remained remarkably consistent. It’s a testament to how fundamental this descriptive quality is, linking ancient craftsmanship to modern language.
細い (hosoi) is a fundamental adjective in Japanese, used to describe things that are thin, slender, or narrow. It's most commonly applied to objects with a linear or cylindrical form. For example, you might talk about hosoi pen (細いペン - thin pen), hosoi ude (細い腕 - slender arm), or hosoi michi (細い道 - narrow road).
When describing people, 'hosoi' often implies a slim or slender build, similar to 'slim' or 'slender' in English. It generally carries a positive or neutral connotation, suggesting elegance rather than being underweight. You could say someone has hosoi ashi (細い足 - slender legs).
It's important to note that 'hosoi' is typically used for physical thinness. For abstract concepts like a narrow escape, you might use different phrasing. However, for describing the physical dimensions of objects, people, and even natural features like rivers or roads, 'hosoi' is your go-to word. It's a versatile adjective that adds precision and nuance to your descriptions.
While 'hosoi' itself is a straightforward adjective, it appears in various expressions that add color to the language. Here are a few:
- 細い目 (hosoi me): Literally 'thin eyes', this refers to narrow or slitted eyes. It's a descriptive term, sometimes used in character descriptions. Example: He had hosoi me that seemed to miss nothing.
- 細い声 (hosoi koe): A 'thin voice', meaning a weak, high-pitched, or reedy voice. Example: She spoke in a hosoi koe when she was nervous.
- 細い月 (hosoi tsuki): This refers to a crescent moon, emphasizing its thin, delicate shape. Example: We saw a hosoi tsuki hanging in the twilight sky.
- 細い線で結ばれる (hosoi sen de musubareru): Meaning 'to be connected by a thin line', this idiom suggests a fragile or tenuous connection between people or things. Example: Their relationship was hosoi sen de musubarete ita, easily broken.
- 細い道 (hosoi michi): While literally meaning 'narrow road', it can sometimes metaphorically represent a difficult or less-traveled path in life. Example: He chose the hosoi michi of an artist rather than a stable career.
These expressions show how the core meaning of 'thinness' or 'slenderness' can be extended to describe various subtle qualities and situations.
細い (hosoi) is an i-adjective in Japanese. This means it conjugates directly and typically ends in 'i'. As an adjective, it usually precedes the noun it modifies. For example, hosoi hana (細い花 - thin flower).
When used predicatively (at the end of a sentence), it remains 'hosoi'. For example, Sono enpitsu wa hosoi desu (その鉛筆は細いです - That pencil is thin). To make it negative, you change the final 'i' to 'kunai': hosokunai (細くない - not thin).
The past tense is formed by changing 'i' to 'katta': hosokatta (細かった - was thin). The adverbial form is made by changing 'i' to 'ku': hosoku (細く - thinly, slenderly). This form is used to modify verbs or other adjectives.
Pronunciation:
- IPA (Tokyo Standard): /ho̞so̞i/
- Breakdown: ho-so-i
- Sounds like: The 'ho' is like the 'ho' in 'hope'. The 'so' is like the 'so' in 'sofa'. The 'i' is like the 'ee' in 'see'.
- Common Errors: Learners sometimes struggle with the clear separation of the syllables. Ensure each part is distinct. Avoid slurring 'soi' together.
- Rhyming Words: While direct rhymes are less common for adjectives in Japanese, words ending in '-oi' share a similar vowel sound, like omoi (重い - heavy) or samui (寒い - cold).
Fun Fact
The kanji 細 is composed of 糸 (thread) and 𠂉 (small/delicate), visually representing something fine and thin like a thread.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'huh-SOY', with the 'huh' like the start of 'hello' and 'SOY' like the word 'soy'.
Sounds like 'HOH-soh-ee', with the 'HOH' like 'hope' and 'ee' like 'see'.
Common Errors
- Merging the 'soi' sounds.
- Pronouncing 'ho' too strongly.
- Adding an 'r' sound.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy to read once understood
easy to write
easy to pronounce
easy to understand
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
متقدم
Grammar to Know
I-Adjective Conjugation
hosoi -> hosokunai (negative), hosokatta (past)
Using Adjectives Before Nouns
hosoi pen (thin pen)
Adverbial Form of Adjectives
hosoku kiru (to cut thinly)
Examples by Level
ペンは細いです。
pen is thin
Adjective + desu
この鉛筆は細い。
this pencil is thin
Adjective at end of sentence
細い糸があります。
thin thread exists
Adjective + noun
足が細い。
legs are thin
Noun + ga + adjective
細い道。
thin/narrow road
Adjective + noun
細いペン。
thin pen
Adjective + noun
細い線。
thin line
Adjective + noun
細い木。
thin tree
Adjective + noun
彼女はとても細い。
she very thin
Describing a person's build
このストローは細いですね。
this straw is thin, isn't it?
Adjective + ne
細い指できれいに書きました。
thin fingers beautifully wrote
Adjective modifying noun
細い川が流れています。
thin river is flowing
Describing natural features
細いネクタイが流行っています。
thin necktie is popular
Fashion context
細い髪の毛を束ねた。
thin hair tied up
Describing hair
細いロープを使いました。
thin rope used
Describing tools/materials
細い月が見えた。
thin moon was seen
Describing celestial bodies
彼は細い体つきをしているが、力持ちだ。
He thin body type has, but strong person is
Contrast using 'ga'
この道は細いので、車は通りにくい。
this road is narrow, so car difficult to pass
Reasoning with 'node'
彼女は細い声で話した。
she thin voice spoke
Describing voice quality
細い糸で丁寧に縫ってあった。
thin thread carefully sewn was
Describing craftsmanship
細いペンだと書きやすい。
thin pen if write easy
Conditional 'tara'
細い眉が印象的だった。
thin eyebrows were impressive
Describing facial features
細い雨が降り始めた。
thin rain began to fall
Describing weather
細い路地を抜けると、広場に出た。
narrow alley passed through, plaza appeared
Sequence of actions
その彫刻家は、驚くほど細い線で人物を描き出した。
that sculptor, surprisingly thin lines figures drew out
Figurative use of 'hosoi' for lines
彼女の細い目は、鋭い観察眼を持っているかのようだった。
her thin eyes, sharp observation skills possess as if were
Idiomatic use 'hosoi me'
細い月が夜空に静かに浮かんでいた。
thin moon in night sky quietly floated
Poetic description
細い声で助けを求めたが、誰にも聞こえなかった。
thin voice help requested, but to no one heard
Conveying desperation
細い糸で紡がれた物語は、繊細な感情を描いていた。
thin thread woven story, delicate emotions depicted
Metaphorical use for narrative
細い神経をすり減らすような毎日だった。
thin nerves wearing down like everyday was
Metaphor for mental strain
細い流れがやがて大河となることもある。
thin stream eventually great river become sometimes does
Metaphor for growth
彼は細い身のこなしで危険をかわした。
he thin body movements danger dodged
Describing agility
その作家は、登場人物の心理描写において極めて細いニュアンスまで描き分ける。
that author, characters' psychological depiction in extremely fine nuances until distinguish
Nuance in psychological description
細い希望にしがみつくしかなかった。
thin hope cling only had
Figurative use for hope
二人の関係は、言葉にできない細い絆で結ばれていた。
two people's relationship, words cannot express thin bond tied was
Subtle emotional connection
細い線で描かれたその絵は、見る者に静謐な印象を与える。
thin lines drawn that painting, viewers calm impression gives
Aesthetic appreciation of fine lines
彼は細い顎のラインが特徴的な、彫りの深い顔立ちをしていた。
he thin jawline characteristic, sharp featured face had
Detailed physical description
細い論理展開で、彼は聴衆を納得させた。
thin logical progression, he audience convinced
Precision in argumentation
細い音色に、聴衆は耳を澄ました。
thin tone color, audience ears listened intently
Describing musical timbre
細い雨脚が窓ガラスを伝っていた。
thin rain streaks window pane down
Precise description of rain
その文学作品は、人間の心理の極めて細い襞（ひだ）までをも克明に描き出している。
that literary work, human psyche's extremely fine folds even meticulously portrays
Deep psychological analysis
細い月影が、古寺の静寂を一層深めていた。
thin moon shadow, old temple's silence even more deepened was
Evocative imagery
彼は、細い糸をたぐり寄せるようにして、失われた記憶の断片を繋ぎ合わせていった。
he, thin thread pulling closer like, lost memories' fragments pieced together went
Metaphor for reconstructing memory
その議論は、細い論理の飛躍によって成り立っており、説得力に欠けていた。
that argument, thin logical leaps by based on, persuasiveness lacked was
Critique of logical fallacies
細い声で紡がれるその詩は、聴く者の心に静かな感動を呼び起こした。
thin voice woven that poem, listeners' hearts quiet emotion evoked
Artistic expression through subtle means
彼女の細い指先から繰り出される音色は、聴く者を幻想の世界へと誘った。
her thin fingertips from produced tone color, listeners fantasy world into invited
Masterful execution
細い雨脚が、都市の喧騒を洗い流していくかのようだった。
thin rain streaks, city's noise washing away as if were
Symbolic cleansing
その細い線描は、ミニマリズムの粋を集めたかのようであった。
that fine line drawing, minimalism's essence gathered as if was
Appreciation of minimalist aesthetics
تلازمات شائعة
Idioms & Expressions
"細い目 (hosoi me)"
Narrow or slitted eyes.
彼の細い目はいつも何かを探っているようだった。(His narrow eyes always seemed to be searching for something.)
neutral"細い声 (hosoi koe)"
A thin, weak, or reedy voice.
病気で細い声しか出なかった。(I could only speak in a weak voice due to illness.)
neutral"細い月 (hosoi tsuki)"
Crescent moon.
細い月が夜空に浮かんでいた。(A slender crescent moon floated in the night sky.)
neutral"細い線で結ばれる (hosoi sen de musubareru)"
To be connected by a fragile or tenuous link.
彼らの友情は細い線で結ばれていた。(Their friendship was bound by a fragile thread.)
literary"細い道 (hosoi michi)"
Narrow road; can metaphorically mean a difficult or less-traveled path.
成功への細い道を進む。(To tread the narrow path to success.)
neutral"細い希望 (hosoi kibō)"
A faint or slim hope.
わずかな細い希望にしがみついた。(I clung to the slightest, slim hope.)
neutralEasily Confused
Direct antonyms, often learned together.
'Hosoi' means thin/slender/narrow. 'Futoi' means thick/fat/wide.
細いペン vs 太いペン (Thin pen vs. Thick pen).
Both can translate to 'thin' in English.
'Hosoi' refers to thinness in width or diameter. 'Usui' refers to thinness in thickness or depth (e.g., a thin book, diluted liquid).
細い糸 vs 薄い本 (Thin thread vs. Thin book).
Another word that can mean 'thin' in English when referring to depth.
'Hosoi' is for narrowness. 'Atsui' is for thickness (e.g., a thick coat). Its opposite is 薄い (usui - thin).
細い道 vs 厚いコート (Narrow road vs. Thick coat).
Similar pronunciation.
'Hosoi' means thin/slender. 'Osoi' means late or slow.
細い声 vs 遅い返事 (Thin voice vs. Late reply).
Sentence Patterns
Adjective + な + Noun
細い糸で編まれたセーター。(A sweater knitted with thin yarn.)
Noun + は/が + Adjective
この鉛筆は細いです。(This pencil is thin.)
Adjective + く + Verb
細く切ってください。(Please cut it thinly.)
Noun + の + Adjective + Noun
細い目の人 (A person with narrow eyes)
Adjective +Noun
細い月が見えた。(I saw a crescent moon.)
عائلة الكلمة
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
Formality Scale
أخطاء شائعة
Both mean 'thin' in English, but refer to different dimensions. 細い is about being narrow, while 厚い is about being shallow.
細い refers to physical dimensions, not concentration.
細い is generally neutral or positive for build, but can sometimes be misconstrued if context isn't clear.
Maintain the distinct vowel sounds for each syllable.
They sound similar but have different meanings and kanji.
Tips
Visual Link: Spaghetti
Imagine a plate of spaghetti. Long and thin! That's 'hosoi'.
Opposite Day Practice
Pair 'hosoi' (thin) with its opposite 'futoi' (thick). Practice making sentences describing pairs of objects, one thin and one thick.
Elegance vs. Emptiness
In Japanese culture, 'hosoi' often implies elegance and refinement. Contrast this with English, where 'thin' can sometimes imply lack or emptiness.
I-Adjective Power!
Remember 'hosoi' is an i-adjective. This means it can modify nouns directly (hosoi pen) or change its ending for different tenses (hosokatta - was thin).
Slow and Steady
Say 'ho-so-i' slowly and clearly, emphasizing each syllable. Avoid rushing.
Don't Confuse Dimensions!
Remember: 細い (hosoi) is for width/diameter, 厚い (atsui) is for depth/thickness.
Thread of Meaning
The kanji 細 literally contains the 'thread' radical (糸), emphasizing the word's core meaning of fineness.
Categorize Your 'Hosoi'
Make lists: Hosoi objects (pencil, string), Hosoi body parts (arms, legs), Hosoi abstract concepts (voice, hope). This helps see the word's range.
Beyond the Literal
Think about where 'thin' isn't just about size – like a 'thin voice' or a 'narrow escape'. Practice these metaphorical uses.
Adverbial Form Fun
Use the 'hosoku' form to describe *how* an action is done, like 'hosoku kiru' (to cut thinly).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOS(e) that is very thin and SO I (I) can barely see it!
Visual Association
Picture a very thin, long noodle (like spaghetti) – that's 'hosoi'.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Find 5 objects around you that are 'hosoi' and say 'hosoi' out loud.
أصل الكلمة
Japanese
Original meaning: Fine, thread-like, small.
السياق الثقافي
When describing people, ensure the context is appropriate. While 'hosoi' is usually neutral, be mindful of potential sensitivities around body image.
In English-speaking cultures, 'thin' can sometimes have negative connotations (e.g., 'too thin'). Japanese 'hosoi' is generally more neutral or even positive, especially when describing elegance or grace.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing objects
- 細いペン (hosoi pen) - thin pen
- 細い糸 (hosoi ito) - thin thread
- 細い針 (hosoi hari) - thin needle
Describing people's bodies
- 細い腕 (hosoi ude) - slender arms
- 細い足 (hosoi ashi) - slender legs
- 細い体つき (hosoi karatsuki) - slim build
Describing nature/environment
- 細い道 (hosoi michi) - narrow road
- 細い川 (hosoi kawa) - narrow river
- 細い月 (hosoi tsuki) - crescent moon
Describing sounds/voices
- 細い声 (hosoi koe) - thin voice
- 細い音 (hosoi oto) - faint sound
Conversation Starters
"このペン、すごく細いね！書きやすい？ (This pen is really thin! Is it easy to write with?)"
"彼女の足、すごく細いけど、健康的なのかな？ (Her legs are really slender, but is she healthy?)"
"この道、細いから車が通れないね。 (This road is narrow, so cars can't pass.)"
"あの細い月、きれいだね。 (That crescent moon is beautiful, isn't it?)"
"もっと細い糸があったら、もっと繊細なものが作れるのに。 (If there were thinner thread, I could make something more delicate.)"
Journal Prompts
Describe five things you see right now using the word 'hosoi'.
Think about a time you admired someone's 'hosoi' feature (like slender hands or a slim build). Write about it.
How does the concept of 'hosoi' (thinness) relate to elegance or fragility in your own culture?
Imagine you are designing something. What 'hosoi' elements would you incorporate and why?
الأسئلة الشائعة
8 أسئلةGenerally, 'hosoi' is neutral or positive, especially when describing elegance or a slim figure. However, context matters. If something is described as 'hosoi' in a way that implies fragility or lack of substance where those aren't desired traits, it might not be a compliment.
'Hosoi' means thin, slender, or narrow. 'Futoi' is its direct opposite, meaning thick, fat, or wide.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically for things like a 'thin voice' (細い声 - hosoi koe) or a 'narrow road' (細い道 - hosoi michi), and even more abstractly like 'faint hope' (細い希望 - hosoi kibō).
As an i-adjective, you change the final 'i' to 'kunai'. So, 'hosoi' (thin) becomes 'hosokunai' (not thin).
The kanji 細 is composed of 糸 (thread) and 𠂉 (small/delicate), visually representing something fine and thin like a thread.
Yes, 'hosome' (細め) is a more casual and softer way to say 'thin' or 'slimmer', often used in everyday conversation.
Yes, it can describe thin foods like noodles (細い麺 - hosoi men) or even thin slices of something.
'Hosoi' refers to thinness in width or diameter. 'Usui' refers to thinness in thickness or depth (like a thin book or diluted liquid).
اختبر نفسك
この____ペンを使っています。
'Hosoi' means thin, which fits the context of a pen.
Which word means 'thin' or 'slender'?
'Hosoi' specifically means thin or slender.
「細い道」 means a wide road.
「細い道」 means a narrow road.
Word
المعنى
Matches the Japanese phrases with their English meanings.
The correct sentence structure is 'She is very thin.'
彼の____目は鋭く光っていた。
'Hosoi me' (thin eyes) is a common description, often implying sharpness.
Which phrase best describes a 'faint hope'?
'Hosoi kibō' uses the sense of thinness to mean a small or precarious hope.
「細い」 can be used to describe the concentration of a liquid.
For liquid concentration, use 濃い (koi - thick) or 薄い (usui - thin/diluted). 「細い」 refers to physical dimensions.
これは____リンゴです。(This is a ____ apple.)
While 'hosoi' means thin, it doesn't fit an apple. Assuming a typo and aiming for a common adjective, 'akai' (red) is a likely fit if the intent was color.
Create a sentence using 'hosoi' to describe an object.
Demonstrates correct usage of 'hosoi' with a noun.
النتيجة: /10
Summary
Master 'hosoi' to precisely describe the slender and delicate aspects of the world around you!
- Hosoi (細い) means thin, slender, or narrow.
- It's an i-adjective commonly used for objects, people, and even abstract concepts.
- Key contexts include describing physical dimensions, elegance, and delicate qualities.
- Remember its antonym is futoi (太い - thick/fat).
Visual Link: Spaghetti
Imagine a plate of spaghetti. Long and thin! That's 'hosoi'.
Opposite Day Practice
Pair 'hosoi' (thin) with its opposite 'futoi' (thick). Practice making sentences describing pairs of objects, one thin and one thick.
Elegance vs. Emptiness
In Japanese culture, 'hosoi' often implies elegance and refinement. Contrast this with English, where 'thin' can sometimes imply lack or emptiness.
I-Adjective Power!
Remember 'hosoi' is an i-adjective. This means it can modify nouns directly (hosoi pen) or change its ending for different tenses (hosokatta - was thin).
مثال
彼女はとても細い指をしています。
Related Content
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات general
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
