太い in 30 Sekunden
- Futoi means thick in diameter (like a rope or leg).
- Use it for cylindrical objects and wide lines.
- Never use it for flat objects like books (use 'atsui').
- It can describe a deep voice or a bold personality.
The Japanese adjective 太い (ふとい - futoi) is a fundamental word used to describe physical dimensions, specifically focusing on the thickness or girth of cylindrical or elongated objects. Unlike English, where 'thick' can apply to almost anything, Japanese distinguishes between thickness in terms of diameter (太い) and thickness in terms of flat surfaces (厚い - atsui). Understanding this distinction is the first step toward natural Japanese fluency.
- Core Concept
- Refers to a large diameter, circumference, or width of a long object like a rope, tree trunk, or human limb.
- Physical Scope
- Commonly applied to legs, arms, necks, fingers, pens, lines, and pillars.
- Abstract Extension
- Can describe a deep, resonant voice or a person's bold and generous character.
"この公園には、とても太い木があります。" (There is a very thick tree in this park.)
When you look at a tree trunk, you aren't looking at a flat surface; you are looking at a round object with a large diameter. This is the quintessential use case for futoi. If you were to use atsui here, a Japanese speaker would be confused because atsui implies a flat object like a book or a slice of bread. Therefore, futoi is about 'girth' and 'sturdiness'.
"彼は足が太いので、ズボンが入らない。" (Because his legs are thick, the pants don't fit.)
"マジックペンで太い線を書きました。" (I drew a thick line with a marker.)
Even 2D objects like lines on a paper use futoi if they represent a 'wide' stroke. This is because a line is seen as an extension of a point, and its width is its 'thickness'. This is why calligraphy brushes are often described by how futoi the resulting characters are.
"彼は太い声で歌った。" (He sang with a deep/thick voice.)
The auditory use of futoi is fascinating. A 'thick' voice in Japanese is one that is low-pitched, resonant, and powerful. It is the opposite of a 'thin' (hosoi) or high-pitched voice. This adds a layer of texture to the word that goes beyond simple physical measurements.
"あの人は肝が太い。" (That person is bold/has guts.)
- Visualizing Futoi
- Imagine a sumo wrestler's arm vs. a marathon runner's arm. The sumo wrestler's arm is 'futoi'.
- Tactile Sense
- Imagine trying to wrap your hand around a rope. If your fingers don't meet, it's 'futoi'.
Using 太い (futoi) correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as an い-adjective (i-adjective) and its specific semantic constraints. It is a versatile word, but it has strict boundaries that, if crossed, make your Japanese sound unnatural.
1. Grammatical Conjugations
As a standard i-adjective, futoi follows the regular conjugation patterns for tense and polarity:
- Present Affirmative: 太い (futoi) - It is thick.
- Present Negative: 太くない (futoku nai) - It is not thick.
- Past Affirmative: 太かった (futokatta) - It was thick.
- Past Negative: 太くなかった (futoku nakatta) - It was not thick.
- Te-form: 太くて (futokute) - Thick and...
"この紐は太くて丈夫です。" (This rope is thick and strong.)
2. Common Noun Pairings
To use futoi naturally, pair it with objects that have a circular or cylindrical cross-section:
- Body Parts
- 腕 (ude - arm), 足 (ashi - leg), 首 (kubi - neck), 指 (yubi - finger), 眉 (mayu - eyebrows).
- Objects
- 柱 (hashira - pillar), 枝 (eda - branch), 鉛筆 (enpitsu - pencil), 綱 (tsuna - rope).
- Abstracts
- 声 (koe - voice), 神経 (shinkei - nerves/boldness).
3. Adverbial Use
By changing the final い to く, you can use futoi as an adverb (太く - futoku) to describe how an action is performed.
"名前を太く書いてください。" (Please write your name in thick letters/boldly.)
In professional settings, futoi is often used in logistics or construction. For example, 'futoi paipu' (thick pipe) is a standard technical description. In the world of design, 'futoi fonto' (bold font) is a common term. It is a word that spans from the most casual conversation to technical specifications.
You will encounter 太い (futoi) in a variety of daily life scenarios, ranging from the supermarket to the gym, and even in psychological descriptions of people.
1. At the Supermarket or Kitchen
When shopping for vegetables, you might hear people comparing the quality of produce based on its thickness. Daikon (Japanese radish) or carrots that are 'futoi' are often seen as more substantial or better for certain types of cooking.
"この大根、すごく太いね！" (This daikon is really thick, isn't it!)"
2. Fashion and Physical Appearance
In clothing stores, people discuss how clothes fit their limbs. You might hear someone complaining that their 'ashi ga futoi' (legs are thick), making it hard to find skinny jeans. Conversely, in a gym setting, 'futoi ude' (thick arms) is often a goal for bodybuilders.
"彼はトレーニングをして腕が太くなった。" (His arms got thicker from training.)
3. Nature and Outdoors
When hiking or visiting shrines, you will see ancient trees. The 'futoi miki' (thick trunk) of a cedar tree is a common sight and a point of admiration in Japanese culture, symbolizing longevity and strength.
4. Idiomatic and Social Contexts
In social commentary, you might hear the phrase 'shinkei ga futoi' (thick-nerved). This describes someone who is shameless, insensitive to criticism, or incredibly brave. It’s a common way to describe a politician or a bold entrepreneur.
"あんな失敗をしても平気だなんて、彼は神経が太い。" (He's so thick-skinned/bold to be fine after a failure like that.)
Finally, in the world of traditional arts like Kabuki or Sumo, 'futoi' is used to describe the power and presence of a performer's voice or physique. It carries a connotation of 'grandeur'.
The most frequent errors involving 太い (futoi) stem from the nuanced differences between Japanese and English adjectives for 'thick' and 'fat'.
1. Futoi vs. Atsui (厚い)
This is the #1 mistake for learners. Both can be translated as 'thick' in English, but they are not interchangeable.
- 太い (Futoi)
- Use for 3D cylindrical objects or lines. (Ropes, legs, pens).
- 厚い (Atsui)
- Use for 2D flat objects. (Books, bread, walls, coats).
❌ "この本は太いです。" (This book is thick - Incorrect)
✅ "この本は厚いです。" (This book is thick - Correct)
2. Futoi vs. Futotteiru (太っている)
When describing a person's overall body weight, using futoi can sound clinical or even rude, as if you are measuring them like a piece of lumber. To say someone is 'fat' or 'overweight', use the verb futotteiru.
❌ "あの人は太いです。" (That person is thick - Sounds weird/rude)
✅ "あの人は太っています。" (That person is fat/overweight.)
3. Futoi vs. Hiroi (広い)
Sometimes learners confuse 'thick' with 'wide'. While a 'futoi sen' (thick line) and a 'hiroi michi' (wide road) both deal with width, hiroi is for areas and spaces, while futoi is for the girth of an object.
❌ "太い道" (Thick road - Incorrect)
✅ "広い道" (Wide road - Correct)
Another subtle mistake is using futoi for 'heavy' rain or 'dense' fog. In Japanese, rain is 'hageshii' (intense) or 'tsuyoi' (strong), and fog is 'fukai' (deep) or 'koi' (thick/dark). Futoi is strictly for physical girth.
To truly master 太い (futoi), you should understand its relationship with synonyms and related terms that describe size and thickness.
1. 厚い (Atsui) - Flat Thickness
As discussed, atsui is the 'flat' counterpart to futoi. Use it for paper, pancakes, and winter clothes. Interestingly, it's also used for 'thick' clouds (atsui kumo).
2. 逞しい (Takumashii) - Robust/Burly
If you want to describe someone's 'thick' muscles in a positive, admiring way, takumashii is often a better choice. It implies strength and reliability, whereas futoi is just a measurement.
"彼は逞しい腕をしている。" (He has robust/muscular arms.)
3. 濃い (Koi) - Dense/Dark
When describing 'thick' eyebrows, you can use either futoi (referring to the width of the brow) or koi (referring to the density of the hair). Often, they go together.
4. ぶっとい (Buttoi) - Very Thick (Slang)
In casual speech, the prefix 'bu-' is added for emphasis. Buttoi is a very colloquial, slightly rough way to say 'super thick'. You'll hear this in anime or among friends.
- 太っ腹 (Futoppara)
- Literally 'thick belly', but it means 'generous'. It describes someone who doesn't worry about small expenses.
- 太っちょ (Futoccho)
- A somewhat cute or teasing way to say 'chubby' or 'fatty'. Use with caution!
Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that fits the 'shape' of what you are describing. Japanese is a very visual language, and the distinction between a cylinder (futoi) and a plane (atsui) is vital.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
i-adjective + naru (to become)
i-adjective + sugiru (too much)
i-adjective + sa (turning into a noun)
te-form for reasons
Adverbial form + verb
Beispiele nach Niveau
このペンは太いです。
This pen is thick.
Simple present affirmative.
太い木があります。
There is a thick tree.
Adjective modifying a noun.
足が太いです。
My legs are thick.
Subject + ga + adjective.
太い紐をください。
Please give me a thick rope.
Requesting an object.
この指輪は太いですね。
This ring is thick, isn't it?
Using the particle 'ne' for agreement.
太い線を描きます。
I will draw a thick line.
Adjective modifying an object.
腕が太くなりました。
My arms became thick.
Adjective + naru (to become).
それは太くないです。
That is not thick.
Present negative.
もっと太いマジックはありますか？
Do you have a thicker marker?
Comparative 'motto'.
太い枝が折れました。
A thick branch broke.
Subject of an intransitive verb.
このうどんは太くておいしい。
This udon is thick and delicious.
Te-form for connecting adjectives.
太い柱が家を支えています。
Thick pillars support the house.
Describing structure.
彼は太い声で話します。
He speaks with a deep voice.
Describing sound.
太いタイヤの自転車を買いました。
I bought a bike with thick tires.
Modifying a compound noun.
このネクタイは少し太すぎます。
This tie is a bit too thick/wide.
Adjective stem + sugiru (too much).
昔はもっと指が太かったです。
My fingers were thicker in the past.
Past tense affirmative.
彼は神経が太いので、緊張しません。
He is bold (thick-nerved), so he doesn't get nervous.
Idiomatic use for personality.
名前を太く、はっきりと書いてください。
Please write your name boldly and clearly.
Adverbial form 'futoku'.
この川には太い丸太が流れています。
A thick log is floating in this river.
Describing nature.
彼女は太い眉毛がチャームポイントです。
Her thick eyebrows are her best feature.
Describing appearance.
太いパイプを使って水を運びます。
We use thick pipes to transport water.
Technical context.
あの俳優は太い演技をすることで有名だ。
That actor is famous for his powerful (thick) acting.
Metaphorical use in arts.
太い客を捕まえるのが営業のコツだ。
The trick to sales is catching a 'fat' (big/wealthy) client.
Slang/Business idiom.
首が太いので、シャツのボタンが止まらない。
My neck is thick, so I can't button my shirt.
Cause and effect.
人生を太く短く生きるのが彼の理想だ。
His ideal is to live a thick (intense) and short life.
Set philosophical phrase.
この建物は太い鉄骨で補強されている。
This building is reinforced with thick steel frames.
Passive voice + technical noun.
彼は太っ腹なところを見せて、全員に奢った。
He showed his generosity (thick belly) and treated everyone.
Idiom 'futoppara'.
太い筆跡から、彼の力強い性格が伝わってくる。
His powerful personality comes through in his thick handwriting.
Inferring character from physical traits.
この地域には太い絆で結ばれたコミュニティがある。
There is a community bound by thick (strong) ties in this area.
Abstract use for 'strong bonds'.
太い幹から新しい芽が出てきた。
New sprouts have come out of the thick trunk.
Nature/Growth context.
彼は肝が太いから、どんな困難にも動じない。
He is bold (has a thick liver), so he isn't fazed by any hardship.
Idiom 'kimo ga futoi'.
太い指では、この細かい作業は難しい。
With thick fingers, this delicate work is difficult.
Contrast between size and task.
源流から太い流れとなって海へ注ぐ。
From the source, it becomes a thick (broad/mighty) flow and pours into the sea.
Literary description of water.
彼の声には、魂を揺さぶるような太い響きがある。
His voice has a thick (resonant) ring that shakes the soul.
High-level descriptive language.
太い実家からの援助があるから、彼は平気なのだ。
He is fine because he has support from a 'thick' (wealthy/influential) family home.
Social/Financial nuance.
その法案は、太い骨子のみが示された。
Only the 'thick' (main/broad) outline of the bill was shown.
Abstract use for 'outline' (koshi).
太い眉を動かして、彼は不快感をあらわにした。
Moving his thick brows, he made his displeasure clear.
Describing subtle facial expressions.
このワインは太いボディが特徴で、肉料理に合う。
This wine is characterized by a 'thick' (full) body and pairs well with meat.
Wine terminology (body).
太い人脈を駆使して、彼はプロジェクトを成功させた。
Leveraging his 'thick' (extensive/strong) network, he made the project a success.
Business networking context.
太い歴史のうねりの中で、個人は無力だ。
In the 'thick' (great/mighty) swell of history, individuals are powerless.
Philosophical/Literary use.
万葉の時代から、この太い調べは日本人の心に響いてきた。
Since the Manyo era, this 'thick' (profound/rich) melody has resonated in the hearts of Japanese people.
Archaic/High-literary register.
太い筆致で描かれた墨絵には、宇宙の真理が宿っている。
In the ink wash painting drawn with thick brushstrokes, the truth of the universe dwells.
Art criticism register.
彼の思想の太い伏流は、現代社会にも息づいている。
The 'thick' (substantial/deep) undercurrent of his thought still lives in modern society.
Metaphorical use for 'undercurrent' (fukuryu).
太い不敵な笑みを浮かべ、彼は最後の賭けに出た。
With a 'thick' (broad/fearless) smile, he made his final bet.
Describing complex emotional states.
その伝統芸能の太い系譜を絶やしてはならない。
We must not let the 'thick' (long/prestigious) lineage of that traditional art die out.
Cultural preservation context.
太い血管が浮き出たその手は、長年の労働を物語っていた。
Those hands, with thick veins standing out, told the story of years of labor.
Evocative physical description.
太い自尊心が、彼に妥協を許さなかった。
A 'thick' (strong/stubborn) pride did not allow him to compromise.
Abstract psychological use.
太い運命の糸に手繰り寄せられるように、二人は再会した。
As if drawn together by a 'thick' (strong) thread of fate, the two met again.
Romantic/Literary metaphor.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Positive connotation for male voices (resonant).
Avoid calling people 'futoi' directly; use 'futotteiru' for weight.
Strictly for round/long objects.
- Using futoi for books (should be atsui).
- Using futoi for people's weight (should be futotteiru).
- Using futoi for roads (should be hiroi).
- Forgetting the 'i' in 'futoi' when modifying nouns.
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'futa' (lid).
Tipps
Conjugation Check
Remember it's an i-adjective. The negative is 'futoku nai', not 'futoi janai'.
Flat vs Round
Always check the shape. Round/Long = Futoi. Flat = Atsui.
Nature Words
Use 'futoi' to describe the trunks (miki) and branches (eda) of trees.
Politeness
Instead of 'ashi ga futoi', you might say 'ashi ga shikkari shiteiru' (strong legs) to be more polite.
Boldness
'Shinkei ga futoi' is a great way to describe someone who isn't easily bothered.
Calligraphy
In shodo, 'futoi' strokes represent strength and energy.
Noodles
Udon is 'futoi', while Somen is 'hosoi'.
Lines
A 'bold' font in Japanese is often called 'futoji' (thick characters).
Antonyms
Learn 'futoi' and 'hosoi' together as a pair.
Emphasis
Add 'bu-' to make 'buttoi' for 'super thick' in casual speech.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Old Japanese 'futo', meaning 'great' or 'grand'. The kanji '太' represents a person (大) with an extra mark, signifying 'extra large' or 'thick'.
Kultureller Kontext
Sumo wrestlers strive for 'futoi' limbs for stability.
Boldness is expressed through the thickness of the brush stroke.
Thick earlobes (fukumimi) are a sign of good luck and wealth.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"このうどん、すごく太いですね！ (This udon is really thick, isn't it?)"
"もっと太いペンを持っていますか？ (Do you have a thicker pen?)"
"どうしてそんなに腕が太いんですか？ (How did your arms get so thick? - to an athlete)"
"太い線と細い線、どちらがいいですか？ (Which is better, thick lines or thin lines?)"
"あの人は本当に神経が太いですね。 (That person really has a lot of nerve, don't they?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a very old tree you have seen using 'futoi'.
Write about a time you had to be 'shinkei ga futoi' (bold).
Compare two objects in your room using 'futoi' and 'hosoi'.
Discuss your favorite 'thick' food (like udon or thick-cut fries).
Describe a person with a 'futoi koe' (deep voice).
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, for books you must use 'atsui' because a book is a flat object.
It can be when describing someone's legs or arms, as it implies they are large. Use with caution.
The opposite is 'hosoi', which means thin or slender.
It describes a 'thick' part of the body, but to say someone is 'fat', you use 'futotteiru'.
You use the idiom 'shinkei ga futoi' (thick-nerved) or 'kimo ga futoi' (thick-livered).
No, use 'hiroi' for roads. 'Futoi' is for objects like ropes or pillars.
It literally means 'thick belly' but idiomatically means 'generous'.
Yes, for thick strands of hair. For dense hair, use 'koi'.
You say 'futoi koe'. It means a deep, resonant voice.
No, for thick liquids like soup, use 'dorotto shita' or 'koi'.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering '太い' (futoi) is about understanding shape. If it's round like a pipe or long like a line, use 'futoi'. If it's flat like a pancake, use 'atsui'. It's the key to describing physical dimensions accurately in Japanese.
- Futoi means thick in diameter (like a rope or leg).
- Use it for cylindrical objects and wide lines.
- Never use it for flat objects like books (use 'atsui').
- It can describe a deep voice or a bold personality.
Conjugation Check
Remember it's an i-adjective. The negative is 'futoku nai', not 'futoi janai'.
Flat vs Round
Always check the shape. Round/Long = Futoi. Flat = Atsui.
Nature Words
Use 'futoi' to describe the trunks (miki) and branches (eda) of trees.
Politeness
Instead of 'ashi ga futoi', you might say 'ashi ga shikkari shiteiru' (strong legs) to be more polite.
Beispiel
あの木は幹がとても太いです。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr general Wörter
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2Ein bisschen; ein Moment. Wird oft verwendet, um Bitten höflicher zu formulieren.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2Vorhin; vor kurzem.
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
A2Ein Ausdruck, der verwendet wird, um das Thema eines Gesprächs oder einer Überlegung einzuleiten.
〜について
B1Ein Ausdruck, der 'über' oder 'bezüglich' bedeutet.
～ぐらい
A2Eine japanische Partikel, die 'ungefähr' oder 'etwa' bedeutet.
ぐらい
A2Ich habe etwa drei Stunden geschlafen. (J'ai dormi environ 3 heures.)
