When talking about food, 固い (katai) means hard or firm. Imagine biting into something and it's not soft – that's 固い. For example, if you bake a cookie for too long, it might become 固い. It's often used for things like stale bread, undercooked rice, or hard candy. So, if you want to describe food that has a tough or firm texture, 固い is the word you're looking for!
When talking about food, 固い (かたい - katai) means hard or firm. Imagine biting into an unripe apple or a stale cookie – that’s 固い. It’s used for textures that are resistant to biting or chewing.
For example, if bread has been left out too long and becomes dry and hard, you would describe it as 固いパン (katai pan). You might also use it for foods that are naturally firm, like some nuts or crunchy vegetables. It’s a common word to describe food texture, so it’s good to remember.
When talking about food, 固い (katai) describes something that is hard or firm in texture. This is a common word you'll hear when discussing food, especially when referring to things like crunchy vegetables, stale bread, or tough meat. It's often used in contrast to 柔らかい (yawarakai), which means soft. For example, if you say this apple is 固い, you mean it's firm and might require more chewing.
When talking about food, 固い (katai) describes something that is hard or firm in texture. Think of a stale cracker, undercooked rice, or a very tough piece of meat – these would all be described as 固い.
It's different from 「硬い」 (also read katai), which usually refers to the physical hardness of objects like a hard rock or a stiff board. While both mean "hard," their typical usage contexts differ.
§ What "固い" Means
The Japanese adjective "固い" (かたい) is a versatile word, but when we're talking about food, it specifically means something is hard or firm in texture. This isn't about how tough something is to chew, but rather its inherent rigidity. Think of a stale cracker versus a fresh one, or undercooked rice versus perfectly fluffy grains.
- Japanese Word
- 固い (かたい)
- Definition
- Hard or firm (food texture).
§ Where You Hear "固い" for Food
You'll encounter "固い" often when discussing food in everyday Japanese. Here are some common scenarios:
- At a restaurant or while cooking: You might talk about how well something is cooked, or if it's too hard.
- Grocery shopping: Describing the texture of fruits, vegetables, or bread.
- In conversation with friends/family: Expressing your preference for food textures.
§ Examples of "固い" in Use
Let's look at some practical examples to help you understand how "固い" is used when talking about food texture. Notice how it's often used with other words to give a more complete picture.
このお餅はちょっと固いですね。
This mochi is a bit hard (chewy).
Here, someone is saying the mochi (rice cake) has a firm, perhaps too firm, texture. Mochi is supposed to be soft and chewy, so "固い" implies it's not ideal.
ご飯がまだ固いから、もう少し炊きましょう。
The rice is still hard, so let's cook it a little longer.
This is a common phrase you might hear in the kitchen. It means the rice is undercooked and has a firm, crunchy texture that isn't desirable.
このパンは一日経つとすぐ固くなる。
This bread gets hard quickly after a day.
Here, "固く" is the adverbial form of "固い" and describes how the bread changes its texture over time – it becomes firm or stale.
私は少し固めのプリンが好きです。
I like slightly firm pudding.
The suffix "〜め" (め) attached to adjectives like "固い" indicates a degree or preference. So, "固め" means "a bit firm" or "on the firmer side." This is a great way to express your preferred texture for certain foods.
§ Practice Using "固い"
The best way to master "固い" is to use it. When you're eating, think about the texture of your food. Is it soft? Is it firm? Try to describe it using Japanese words. The more you connect the word to your real-world experiences, the faster you'll remember it.
§ Understanding 固い (katai) nuances
Many Japanese learners, especially at the B1 level, often confuse 固い (katai) with other words that also translate to 'hard' or 'firm' in English. The key to mastering 固い (katai) is understanding its specific nuance, which primarily relates to the physical texture of something – how it feels when you touch it or, in the case of food, how it feels when you bite into it. It's about resistance to pressure or change in form.
- DEFINITION
- 固い (katai) specifically refers to something being hard or firm in terms of its physical texture. Think of a hard rock, a firm bed, or crunchy food.
§ Don't confuse with 難しい (muzukashii)
One of the most common mistakes is using 固い (katai) when you mean 'difficult.' While English uses 'hard' for both physical texture and difficulty (e.g., 'a hard rock' vs. 'a hard problem'), Japanese uses different words. For 'difficult,' you should use 難しい (muzukashii).
このテストは難しいです。(Kono tesuto wa muzukashii desu.)
*Hint: This test is difficult.*
§ Don't confuse with 堅い (katai) or 硬い (katai)
Yes, there are other kanji that are also pronounced 'katai' and can also mean 'hard.' This is where it gets tricky, but don't worry, we'll break it down simply. While all three share the same reading, their nuances differ. 固い (katai) often implies a general sense of being solid, firm, or stiff, especially in contrast to being soft or easily yielding.
堅い (katai): This often refers to something being robust, durable, reliable, or secure. Think of a 'firm' decision or a 'sturdy' defense. It can also imply a sense of moral uprightness or strictness.
彼は堅い人間だ。(Kare wa katai ningen da.)
*Hint: He is a reliable/upright person.*
硬い (katai): This specifically emphasizes physical hardness, often referring to things that are literally hard to the touch or resistant to cutting/bending. Think of a hard metal or a rigid material. It's very similar to 固い (katai) but often has a stronger focus on the material's unyielding nature.
この石はとても硬い。(Kono ishi wa totemo katai.)
*Hint: This stone is very hard.*
§ When to use 固い (katai) for food
For food texture, 固い (katai) is your go-to word. When you're talking about bread that's gone stale, crunchy vegetables, or tough meat, 固い (katai) is the appropriate choice. It describes the resistance the food offers when you chew it.
このパンは固いです。(Kono pan wa katai desu.)
*Hint: This bread is hard/stale.*
この肉は少し固いですね。(Kono niku wa sukoshi katai desu ne.)
*Hint: This meat is a little tough.*
§ Practice makes perfect
The best way to solidify your understanding of 固い (katai) and its relatives is through exposure and practice. Pay attention to how native speakers use these words in different contexts. Read Japanese texts, listen to conversations, and try to use them yourself. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; that's part of the learning process!
By focusing on the specific nuance of 'physical texture' or 'firmness' in contrast to 'softness' or 'pliability,' you'll confidently use 固い (katai) correctly, especially when describing food.
§ Understanding 固い (katai)
The Japanese adjective 固い (katai) is used to describe something that is hard or firm. When talking about food, it specifically refers to a hard or firm texture, often requiring effort to chew. This is a common and useful word, especially when discussing food or objects.
- Japanese Word
- 固い (katai)
- Definition
- Hard or firm (food texture).
- CEFR Level
- B1
§ Examples of 固い (katai) in sentences
このパンは固いですね。
This bread is hard.
お肉がちょっと固いです。
The meat is a little tough (hard).
古いお餅は固くなります。
Old mochi (rice cakes) become hard.
§ Similar words and when to use 固い (katai) vs alternatives
While 固い (katai) is generally used for 'hard' or 'firm,' especially for physical hardness like a rock or food texture, there are other words that can express similar concepts depending on the context. Let's look at some of them:
- 硬い (katai): This is an alternative kanji for 固い, and often used interchangeably. However, 硬い generally implies hardness related to a lack of flexibility or resistance to deformation, like a hard stone (硬い石 - katai ishi) or a hard-boiled egg (硬いゆで卵 - katai yudetamago). When talking about food texture, both 固い and 硬い can be used, but 固い might be slightly more common for general food hardness.
- 堅い (katai): This is another kanji for 'katai', but it's typically used for abstract hardness or firmness, such as a strong defense (堅い守り - katai mamori), a firm decision (堅い決意 - katai ketsui), or a strict person. You wouldn't typically use 堅い to describe the hardness of food.
- 頑丈 (ganjou): This word means sturdy, robust, or strongly built. It's used for objects that are durable and difficult to break, like a sturdy table (頑丈なテーブル - ganjou na teeburu) or a robust building. It doesn't describe the texture of food.
- 強固 (kyouko): This word means strong, firm, or solid. It's often used for abstract concepts like a strong belief (強固な信念 - kyouko na shinnen) or a firm foundation (強固な基盤 - kyouko na kiban). It can also be used for physical structures, but less so for food texture.
- 丈夫 (joubu): This means healthy, robust, or strong. For objects, it means durable. For people, it means healthy. For example, a strong body (丈夫な体 - joubu na karada) or durable clothes (丈夫な服 - joubu na fuku). Again, not for food texture.
When to use 固い (katai) for food:
Use 固い when you want to describe food that is:
- Hard to bite or chew (e.g., stale bread, tough meat, undercooked vegetables).
- Firm in texture (e.g., some types of cheese, a firm peach).
- Not soft or tender.
Dato curioso
The kanji 固 (ko/kata) itself carries the meaning of 'hard,' 'firm,' or 'solid,' and appears in other words with similar connotations, such as 固体 (kotai - solid body) and 固まる (katamaru - to harden).
Gramática que debes saber
固い (katai) is an i-adjective. When modifying a noun, it comes directly before the noun.
固いパン (katai pan) - hard bread
To make 固い negative, drop the -い and add -くない (kunai).
固くない (katakunai) - not hard
To use 固い as an adverb, drop the -い and add -く (ku).
固く焼く (kataku yaku) - to bake firmly (e.g., to make something crispy or hard)
固い can also be used figuratively to mean 'stubborn' or 'strict' (e.g., rules, people).
固い約束 (katai yakusoku) - a firm promise
固い has a kanji variant, 硬い (katai), which also means 'hard' but often implies physical hardness that is difficult to break or cut, like a rock or a hard-boiled egg. While sometimes interchangeable, 固い is more commonly used for food texture.
この肉は固い。(Kono niku wa katai.) - This meat is tough/hard.
Ejemplos por nivel
このパンは固いです。
This bread is hard.
固いクッキーが好きです。
I like hard cookies.
この肉は少し固いですね。
This meat is a bit tough/hard, isn't it?
固い氷が溶けています。
The hard ice is melting.
このリンゴはまだ固いです。
This apple is still firm.
固いご飯は嫌いです。
I don't like hard rice.
このチーズはとても固いです。
This cheese is very firm/hard.
固いチョコレートを食べます。
I eat hard chocolate.
このパンは固いですね。
This bread is hard, isn't it?
固い肉は食べにくいです。
Hard meat is difficult to eat.
このクッキーはちょっと固すぎる。
These cookies are a little too hard.
固い桃は好きじゃない。
I don't like hard peaches.
このチーズは固いです。
This cheese is firm.
焼きたてのパンはまだ固い。
Freshly baked bread is still hard.
彼は固いビスケットが好きです。
He likes hard biscuits.
このご飯は少し固い。
This rice is a little hard.
このパンはちょっと固いですね。
This bread is a bit hard.
固い (かたい) as an adjective describing the bread.
固い桃はまだ熟れていません。
Hard peaches are not ripe yet.
固い modifying 桃 (もも - peach).
彼は固い餅が好きだ。
He likes firm mochi.
固い used to describe the texture of mochi.
固いクッキーをミルクに浸して食べた。
I dipped the hard cookie in milk and ate it.
固い directly preceding クッキー (cookie).
この肉は固くて噛み切れない。
This meat is tough and I can't bite through it.
固くて (katakute) is the te-form of 固い, used to connect to the next clause.
新鮮な野菜は固くて歯ごたえがある。
Fresh vegetables are firm and have a good bite.
固い describing the texture of fresh vegetables.
冷蔵庫に入れたチョコレートは固くなった。
The chocolate I put in the refrigerator became hard.
固くなった (kataku natta) means 'became hard'.
固いチーズは削って使うのが一般的です。
Hard cheese is generally used by grating it.
固い modifying チーズ (cheese).
このパンは少し固いですが、トーストすると美味しくなりますよ。
This bread is a bit hard, but it becomes delicious when toasted.
昨日焼いたクッキーが、もう固くなってしまった。
The cookies I baked yesterday have already become hard.
この肉は少し固いから、もっと煮込んだ方がいいでしょう。
This meat is a bit tough, so it would be better to stew it longer.
冷蔵庫に入れたチョコレートが固くなりすぎて、食べにくい。
The chocolate I put in the refrigerator became too hard, making it difficult to eat.
固い桃よりも、熟した柔らかい桃の方が好きです。
I prefer ripe, soft peaches over hard ones.
焼きたてのフランスパンは外側が固くて、中が柔らかいのが特徴だ。
Freshly baked baguette is characterized by its hard crust and soft interior.
このチーズは熟成が進んでいて、かなり固い食感ですね。
This cheese is well-aged and has a quite firm texture.
古いお餅は固くなってしまうので、焼いて食べるのが一般的です。
Old mochi becomes hard, so it's common to eat it grilled.
Se confunde a menudo con
Physical hardness, rigidity (e.g., rock, board).
Firmness, stiffness, reliability (e.g., defense, person).
Beside, at the same time as.
Fácil de confundir
Many learners confuse this with other 'kaka' homophones.
This 'kaka' specifically refers to physical hardness or rigidity, like a hard rock or a stiff board.
この石は硬いです。 (This rock is hard.)
Often mixed up with '硬い' and '固い'.
This 'kaka' implies firmness, stiffness, or reliability. It can describe a firm defense or a steadfast person.
守備が堅い。 (The defense is firm.)
Easily confused with '硬い' and '堅い' due to identical pronunciation.
This 'kaka' refers to the state of being solid, firm, or solidified. It often applies to food texture, a firm bond, or a solid intention.
このパンは固いです。 (This bread is hard/firm.)
Unrelated to the 'kaka' adjectives but shares similar sounds, leading to misidentification in listening comprehension.
This word means 'beside', 'by the side of', or 'at the same time as (doing something else)'.
彼の傍らで本を読んだ。 (I read a book beside him.)
Another word with similar sounds but completely different meaning, sometimes causing confusion in vocabulary recall.
This refers to 'one of a pair' or 'a fragment'.
片割れを見つける。 (Find the other half/part.)
Cómo usarlo
When talking about food texture, 固い (かたい) means hard or firm. Think of a hard biscuit, a firm apple, or a tough piece of meat. It's often used for things that resist biting or chewing easily.
A common mistake is confusing 固い (かたい) with other 'kachi' words like 硬い (かたい), which refers to physical hardness (e.g., a hard rock or hard ground), or 堅い (かたい), which implies stiffness, rigidity, or steadfastness (e.g., a stiff board, a firm promise). For food texture, 固い is the go-to adjective.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a **cat eye** (katai) that is super **hard** – maybe it's made of stone! This can help you remember the sound and meaning.
Asociación visual
Picture a very hard piece of old, stale bread, so firm that if you tried to bite it, your teeth would hurt. Exaggerate the hardness in your mind.
Word Web
Desafío
Next time you eat something with a distinct texture, try to describe it in Japanese. Is it 固い (katai) or 柔らかい (yawarakai)? For instance, when you have a cookie, think: 'このクッキーは固いですか、それとも柔らかいですか？' (Is this cookie hard, or soft?)
Origen de la palabra
From Old Japanese.
Significado original: Stiff, firm, hard.
JaponicContexto cultural
In Japanese cuisine, texture is often as important as flavor. A word like 固い (katai) can describe anything from a perfectly al dente noodle to a tough piece of meat or stale bread. Understanding this nuanced use helps in appreciating the specific characteristics of different foods. It's a very common and practical adjective in daily conversation about food.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Eating an unripe fruit
- このリンゴはまだ固いですね。
- まだ固いので、もう少し置いておきましょう。
- 固いリンゴが好きです。
Cooking pasta
- パスタがまだ固いです。
- もう少し茹でたほうがいいですね。
- アルデンテの固さが好きです。
Describing bread
- このパンは少し固いですね。
- 焼きたてのパンは外が固いです。
- 固いパンでも美味しいです。
Talking about snacks
- このお煎餅は固くて美味しいです。
- 固いお菓子が好きですか？
- 固いグミが食べたい。
Discussing vegetables
- この大根は固くて切りにくいです。
- まだ生なので固いです。
- 新鮮な野菜は固いです。
Inicios de conversación
"一番好きな固い食べ物は何ですか？ (What's your favorite hard food?)"
"固い食べ物と柔らかい食べ物、どちらが好きですか？ (Do you prefer hard or soft foods?)"
"作った料理が固すぎたことはありますか？ (Have you ever made food that was too hard?)"
"固いパンを美味しく食べる方法はありますか？ (Are there good ways to eat hard bread?)"
"日本で食べた固い食べ物で印象に残っているものはありますか？ (Is there any hard food you've eaten in Japan that left an impression?)"
Temas para diario
最近食べた固い食べ物とその感想を書いてみましょう。 (Write about a hard food you ate recently and your thoughts on it.)
子どもの頃、固い食べ物についてどんな思い出がありますか？ (What memories do you have about hard food from your childhood?)
固い食べ物を料理するとき、どんな工夫をしますか？ (What工夫 do you make when cooking hard foods?)
もし食べ物がすべて固かったら、どんな生活になると思いますか？ (If all food were hard, what kind of life do you think it would be?)
あなたの国で有名な固い食べ物について説明してください。 (Please describe a famous hard food from your country.)
Ponte a prueba 84 preguntas
Which food is often 固い (katai)?
せんべい (senbei) is a rice cracker, which is typically hard and crunchy. The other options are generally soft.
What does 「このパンは固いです」 (Kono pan wa katai desu) mean?
固い (katai) means hard or firm, especially for food texture.
If something is 固い (katai), it is the opposite of:
柔らかい (yawarakai) means soft, which is the direct opposite of 固い (katai).
りんご (ringo) - apple can be described as 固い (katai) if it's firm.
Yes, an apple can be described as 固い (katai) if it has a firm texture, which is a common characteristic.
お豆腐 (otoufu) - tofu is usually 固い (katai).
No, tofu is typically soft, not hard. So, 固い (katai) would not be used to describe its usual texture.
クッキー (kukkī) - cookie can be 固い (katai).
Yes, many cookies, especially certain types, are hard or firm, so 固い (katai) is an appropriate descriptor.
Imagine you're at a Japanese bakery. Write a short sentence in Japanese asking for bread that is NOT hard.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
やわらかいパンをください。
You are describing a food that is hard. Write a simple Japanese sentence to say 'This apple is hard.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このりんごは固いです。
Write a short sentence in Japanese to describe a biscuit that is hard.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このビスケットは固いです。
What is the characteristic of the rice cracker?
Read this passage:
A: このせんべいはどうですか。(Kono senbei wa dou desu ka? - How is this rice cracker?) B: とても固いです。(Totemo katai desu. - It's very hard.)
What is the characteristic of the rice cracker?
B says 'Totemo katai desu', which means 'It's very hard'.
B says 'Totemo katai desu', which means 'It's very hard'.
What kind of bread is it?
Read this passage:
これは固いパンです。(Kore wa katai pan desu.)
What kind of bread is it?
固い (katai) means hard, so it's hard bread.
固い (katai) means hard, so it's hard bread.
Is the snack hard?
Read this passage:
A: このおかしは固いですか。(Kono okashi wa katai desu ka? - Is this snack hard?) B: はい、固いです。(Hai, katai desu. - Yes, it is hard.)
Is the snack hard?
B replies 'Hai, katai desu', confirming that it is hard.
B replies 'Hai, katai desu', confirming that it is hard.
This sentence means 'This bread is hard.' In Japanese, the order is 'this bread (topic particle) hard.'
This sentence means 'That meat is hard.' 'その肉' is 'that meat,' 'が' is the subject particle, and '固いです' is 'is hard.'
This sentence means 'I eat hard rice.' '固いご飯' means 'hard rice,' 'を' is the direct object particle, and '食べます' means 'eat.'
This bread is hard.
Hard meat is difficult to eat.
That cookie was very hard.
Read this aloud:
このチーズは固いですか？
Focus: katái desu ka
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
固いパンが好きです。
Focus: katái pan ga suki desu
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
これはちょっと固すぎる。
Focus: kore wa chotto katásugiru
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're at a Japanese bakery. You want to ask for a bread that isn't too hard. How would you describe the kind of bread you want using '固い'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このパンはあまり固くないですか？ (Is this bread not too hard?) or 固くないパンをください。(Please give me bread that isn't hard.)
You are describing a cracker to a friend. You want to say it is very hard. Write a sentence using '固い'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このクラッカーはとても固いです。(This cracker is very hard.)
You tried some candy and found it surprisingly hard to chew. Write a short sentence expressing this using '固い'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この飴は固くて、噛むのが大変です。(This candy is hard and difficult to chew.)
What kind of rice cracker does B prefer?
Read this passage:
A: このおせんべいはどうですか？(How about this rice cracker?) B: ちょっと固いですね。もう少し柔らかいのが好きです。(It's a little hard. I prefer something a bit softer.)
What kind of rice cracker does B prefer?
B states 'もう少し柔らかいのが好きです' which means 'I prefer something a bit softer'.
B states 'もう少し柔らかいのが好きです' which means 'I prefer something a bit softer'.
What is the reason the cookie might be difficult for elderly people to eat?
Read this passage:
このクッキーは固いから、お年寄りには食べにくいかもしれません。(Because this cookie is hard, it might be difficult for elderly people to eat.)
What is the reason the cookie might be difficult for elderly people to eat?
The passage says 'このクッキーは固いから' which means 'Because this cookie is hard'.
The passage says 'このクッキーは固いから' which means 'Because this cookie is hard'.
What happens to bread over time, according to the passage?
Read this passage:
パンは焼きたては柔らかいですが、時間が経つと固くなります。(Bread is soft when freshly baked, but it becomes hard over time.)
What happens to bread over time, according to the passage?
The passage states '時間が経つと固くなります' which means 'it becomes hard over time'.
The passage states '時間が経つと固くなります' which means 'it becomes hard over time'.
The correct order is 'このパンは固い' (This bread is hard). 'この' (kono) means 'this', 'パンは' (pan wa) means 'bread is', and '固い' (katai) means 'hard'.
The correct order is 'このりんごは固いです' (This apple is hard). 'この' (kono) means 'this', 'りんごは' (ringo wa) means 'apple is', and '固いです' (katai desu) is the polite form of 'is hard'.
The correct order is 'この魚は固くて食べにくい' (This fish is hard and difficult to eat). 'この' (kono) means 'this', '魚は' (sakana wa) means 'fish is', '固くて' (katakute) is the te-form of 'hard' used to connect adjectives, and '食べにくい' (tabenikui) means 'difficult to eat'.
このパンは少し___から、トースターで焼いてみましょう。
文脈から、パンが「固い」のでトースターで焼くという流れが自然です。
おばあちゃんのために、もっと___食べ物を用意しましょう。
おばあちゃんのために、食べやすい「柔らかい」食べ物が適切です。
このお肉はちょっと___ですね。もう少し煮込みましょうか。
お肉が「固い」ので、もっと煮込むという流れが自然です。
冷蔵庫に入れたチョコレートが___なっています。
チョコレートは冷えると「固く」なります。
健康のために、___野菜もたくさん食べましょう。
「固い」野菜も健康に良いとされています。
このクッキーは焼きたてなのに、もう___ですね。
焼きたてのクッキーが「固い」という意外性が文脈に合います。
Choose the most appropriate word to describe a crunchy apple.
固い (katai) is used for things that are hard or firm, like a crunchy apple. 柔らかい (yawarakai) means soft, 甘い (amai) means sweet, and 辛い (karai) means spicy.
Which word describes a piece of stale bread that's difficult to bite?
固い (katai) is the correct choice here because stale bread becomes hard. 温かい (atakai) means warm, 冷たい (tsumetai) means cold, and 美味しい (oishii) means delicious.
If someone says 'この肉は固いですね' (Kono niku wa katai desu ne), what are they most likely complaining about?
固い (katai) specifically refers to firmness or hardness, making the meat difficult to chew.
You can use 固い (katai) to describe a soft marshmallow.
固い (katai) means hard or firm, so it's the opposite of what you'd use for a soft marshmallow.
If bread becomes 固い (katai) after being left out, it means it's gone stale.
When bread is left out, it loses moisture and becomes hard or stale, which is accurately described by 固い (katai).
A perfectly ripe avocado, which is slightly firm, can be described as 固い (katai).
固い (katai) can describe something that is firm, not just extremely hard. A slightly firm, ripe avocado fits this description.
Someone is describing the bread's texture.
A question about preference for a type of chocolate.
Someone expresses a preference for meat texture.
Read this aloud:
このリンゴは固くて美味しいです。
Focus: かたい (katai)
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
固いご飯は苦手です。
Focus: 苦手 (nigatte)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼は固いパンが好きです。
Focus: 彼 (kare)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: このパンは少し____ので、トースターで焼くと美味しくなります。
The sentence implies that the bread needs to be toasted to become delicious, suggesting it's currently hard. '固い' (hard) fits this context perfectly.
Which of the following foods would you most likely describe as 固い?
Pudding, jelly, and rice porridge are typically soft. Rice crackers (せんべい) are known for being hard and crunchy.
「この肉は____すぎて、噛むのが大変だ。」What word best fits the blank?
If the meat is difficult to chew, it suggests it's hard. '固い' is the appropriate word here.
「固い」は、食べ物の食感について「柔らかい」の反対の意味で使われる。
Yes, '固い' (hard/firm) is the opposite of '柔らかい' (soft) when describing food texture.
岩のように非常に硬いものを「固い」と表現することはできない。
While '固い' is often used for food texture, it can also be used for other hard objects, including rocks. The statement is false.
乾燥したパンは「固い」と表現されることがある。
When bread dries out, it typically becomes hard, so it can be described as '固い'.
Imagine you're trying a new Japanese snack. Describe its texture using 固い and explain why you like or dislike it. Write at least two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このお菓子はとても固いですが、それが私のお気に入りです。かみごたえがあって、食べるのが楽しいです。 (This snack is very hard, but that's what I like about it. It's chewy and fun to eat.)
You are giving advice to someone learning to cook Japanese food. Explain how to ensure certain ingredients, like vegetables or mochi, achieve a 固い texture when desired. Write at least two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
野菜を固く茹でるには、茹ですぎないことが重要です。餅は焼くと外側が固くなりますが、中が柔らかいのが美味しいです。 (To boil vegetables firm, it's important not to overcook them. When mochi is grilled, the outside becomes firm, but it's delicious when the inside is soft.)
Describe a situation where a '固い' object or food texture caused a problem or was unexpectedly difficult to deal with. Write at least two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日、とても固いパンを買ってしまい、食べるのに苦労しました。顎が疲れてしまって、結局半分しか食べられませんでした。 (The other day, I bought some very hard bread and had a hard time eating it. My jaw got tired, and in the end, I could only eat half of it.)
干し柿の食感について、文章から最も適切に読み取れることは何ですか？
Read this passage:
日本の伝統的なお菓子である干し柿は、独特の固い食感と甘みが特徴です。特に冬場に作られ、ゆっくりと乾燥させることで、その固さと風味が増します。昔ながらの製法で作られた干し柿は、砂糖を加えていないにもかかわらず、非常に甘く、自然の恵みを感じさせます。
干し柿の食感について、文章から最も適切に読み取れることは何ですか？
文章には「独特の固い食感」とあり、「ゆっくりと乾燥させることで、その固さと風味が増します」と明確に書かれています。
文章には「独特の固い食感」とあり、「ゆっくりと乾燥させることで、その固さと風味が増します」と明確に書かれています。
おにぎりに適したご飯の炊き方について、本文は何を推奨していますか？
Read this passage:
多くの日本人は、炊きたてのご飯のふっくらとした柔らかさを好みますが、おにぎりを作る際には、少し固めに炊いたご飯の方が形が崩れにくく、持ち運びにも適していると考えられています。これは、ご飯粒一つ一つがしっかりと保たれることで、型崩れを防ぎ、美味しさを長く保つためです。
おにぎりに適したご飯の炊き方について、本文は何を推奨していますか？
文章には「少し固めに炊いたご飯の方が形が崩れにくく、持ち運びにも適していると考えられています」と記載されています。
文章には「少し固めに炊いたご飯の方が形が崩れにくく、持ち運びにも適していると考えられています」と記載されています。
フランスパンの外側が固く焼き上げられる理由として、文章で述べられているのはどれですか？
Read this passage:
一部のパン愛好家は、焼きたてのパンの「外はカリカリ、中はふわふわ」という食感を最高の状態と考えます。しかし、フランスパンのような種類のパンは、あえて外側を固く焼き上げることで、独特の香ばしさと歯ごたえを生み出し、長期保存にも耐えられるように工夫されています。この固さが、パンの風味を一層引き立てる要因ともなっています。
フランスパンの外側が固く焼き上げられる理由として、文章で述べられているのはどれですか？
文章には「あえて外側を固く焼き上げることで、独特の香ばしさと歯ごたえを生み出し、長期保存にも耐えられるように工夫されています」と明確に述べられています。
文章には「あえて外側を固く焼き上げることで、独特の香ばしさと歯ごたえを生み出し、長期保存にも耐えられるように工夫されています」と明確に述べられています。
次の文で「固い」の最も適切な意味を選びなさい： 「このテーブルはとても固い木でできている。」
「固い」は物理的な硬さ、特に触感や質感を表現するのに使われます。この文脈では「硬い」が最も適切です。
以下の選択肢のうち、「固い」の用法として不適切なものはどれですか？
「固い水」は通常使われません。水は液体なので、物理的に硬いとは表現しません。他の選択肢は比喩的な意味で「固い」を使う正しい例です。
「固い」を使って、ある人が非常に頑固であることを表現するなら、どの文が適切ですか？
「頭が固い」は、考え方が柔軟でない、頑固であるという意味の慣用句です。他の選択肢は異なる意味を持ちます。
「固い」は食べ物の食感だけでなく、物の物理的な硬さにも使われる。
はい、その通りです。例えば、「固いパン」のように食べ物の食感に使うこともできますし、「固い木」のように物の物理的な硬さを表現するのにも使えます。
「固い話」という表現は、内容が面白くて退屈しない話を指す。
いいえ、違います。「固い話」は、真面目すぎて面白くない話や、堅苦しい話を指します。
比喩的に「固い」を使う場合、「決意が固い」は「決意が揺るがない」という意味で正しい。
はい、その通りです。「決意が固い」は、決意がしっかりしていて、簡単には変わらないことを意味します。
The bread is a bit hard.
Old mochi gets hard.
A hard peach isn't ripe yet.
Read this aloud:
このクッキーは焼きたてなのに、もう固くなっています。
Focus: 固く (kataku)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
固いチーズは削ってパスタにかけると美味しいです。
Focus: 削って (kezutte)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼女は固いものが好きなので、よくせんべいを食べています。
Focus: せんべい (senbei)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're reviewing a newly opened ramen shop. Describe the texture of their noodles and char siu using '固い' in different contexts. What kind of '固い' is good, and what kind isn't?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この店の麺は、アルデンテで「固い」のですが、それがまたスープによく絡んで美味しいです。しかし、チャーシューが「固すぎる」のが少し残念でした。もう少し柔らかい方が好みです。
You are a food critic reviewing a traditional Japanese sweet (wagashi). How would you use '固い' to describe its texture, considering both positive and negative aspects?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この和菓子は、外側が少し「固い」ことで形を保ちつつ、中はもちもちとした食感が楽しめます。ただ、年配の方には少し「固すぎる」と感じるかもしれません。
Describe a dish where the '固い' texture of an ingredient is crucial for its appeal. Explain why this '固い' texture is desired.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
フライドチキンは、衣の「固い」カリカリとした食感が命です。この「固い」衣があるからこそ、中のジューシーな鶏肉とのコントラストが生まれ、美味しさが際立ちます。
この文章から、彼の焼いたパンのどのような点が「固い」と表現されていますか？
Read this passage:
彼はいつもパンを焼くとき、外はパリパリ、中はふんわりとした食感を目指している。しかし、先日焼いたパンは、どういうわけか全体的に固くなってしまった。特に耳の部分は、噛み切るのが難しいほど固かったと家族から不評だった。
この文章から、彼の焼いたパンのどのような点が「固い」と表現されていますか？
文章中には「全体的に固くなってしまった」とあり、さらに「特に耳の部分は、噛み切るのが難しいほど固かった」と具体的に言及されています。
文章中には「全体的に固くなってしまった」とあり、さらに「特に耳の部分は、噛み切るのが難しいほど固かった」と具体的に言及されています。
この文章で言及されている、伝統的な和菓子における「固い」食感の役割は何ですか？
Read this passage:
伝統的な和菓子の中には、素材の持ち味を活かすために、あえて「固い」食感に仕上げるものも少なくありません。例えば、昔ながらの羊羹は、しっかりとした歯ごたえが特徴で、それがお茶との相性を高めると言われています。しかし、最近では柔らかい羊羹も増えてきており、消費者の好みが多様化していることが伺えます。
この文章で言及されている、伝統的な和菓子における「固い」食感の役割は何ですか？
文章中に「素材の持ち味を活かすために、あえて『固い』食感に仕上げる」とあり、「それがお茶との相性を高める」と説明されています。
文章中に「素材の持ち味を活かすために、あえて『固い』食感に仕上げる」とあり、「それがお茶との相性を高める」と説明されています。
フライドポテトの「固さ」について、どのような点が「絶妙」だと述べられていますか？
Read this passage:
この店のフライドポテトは、外はカリッとしていて、中はホクホク。この絶妙な「固さ」のバランスが、多くの客を魅了しています。油で揚げた後の余熱で「固く」なりすぎないよう、提供時間にも細心の注意が払われています。
フライドポテトの「固さ」について、どのような点が「絶妙」だと述べられていますか？
文章中に「外はカリッとしていて、中はホクホク。この絶妙な『固さ』のバランス」とあります。
文章中に「外はカリッとしていて、中はホクホク。この絶妙な『固さ』のバランス」とあります。
/ 84 correct
Perfect score!
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少々
B1A little; a few.
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
