When you hear 軽く (karuku), think of something being done with a light touch or in a slight way. It means 'lightly' or 'slightly'.
For example, you might 軽く tap on a door, or just 軽く taste a new food. It suggests a gentle action, not heavy or strong.
You can also use it when you don't do something completely, like when you just 軽く clean a room. It's often used for actions that are not serious or intense.
When you hear 軽く (karuku), think "lightly" or "gently." It's an adverb that describes an action performed without much force, weight, or seriousness.
You can use it for physical actions, like touching something lightly, or for less tangible things, like discussing a topic briefly or having a light meal.
It implies a certain ease or lack of intensity, making it a very versatile word in everyday conversation.
When used as an adverb, 軽く (karuku) means 'lightly' or 'frivolously.' It implies doing something without much effort, weight, or seriousness. For example, if you say something 軽く, you're saying it casually or offhand. If you touch something 軽く, you're touching it gently. It can also describe eating a small, light meal.
When used as an adverb, 軽く (karuku) generally means 'lightly' or 'gently.' It can describe performing an action with little force or effort. For example, 軽くたたく (karuku tataku) means 'to tap lightly.'
It can also imply something is done briefly or casually, such as 軽く食べる (karuku taberu) meaning 'to eat a light meal' or 'to snack.' Another common usage is when something is not taken seriously, as in 軽く見る (karuku miru), meaning 'to take lightly' or 'to underestimate.'
Context is important to grasp the nuance of 軽く. It's a versatile word that often suggests a lack of intensity or weight in an action or attitude.
軽く en 30 secondes
- gently
- slightly
- lightly
§ Understanding 軽く (karuku)
The Japanese adverb 軽く (karuku) is commonly translated as 'lightly.' However, just like many words, its meaning can expand depending on the context. It’s an incredibly versatile word you'll hear and use often in everyday Japanese conversations. Think of it as conveying a sense of being 'light' in various ways, not just in terms of weight.
- Definition
- Lightly. This can refer to physical lightness, lack of severity, or ease of action.
Let's break down some of the most common ways 軽く (karuku) is used. Understanding these nuances will help you use it naturally.
§ 1. Physical Lightness or Gentle Action
This is the most straightforward use. When you do something 軽く (karuku), you do it without much force or pressure. Imagine touching something gently, or carrying something that isn't heavy.
ドアを軽くノックしてください。
- English hint: Please knock on the door lightly.
彼女は軽く手を振った。
- English hint: She waved her hand lightly/gently.
§ 2. Not Serious or Mild
軽く can also describe a situation or an action that isn't severe, serious, or intense. This is where the 'light' meaning extends to emotional or situational weight. For example, a light illness or a light joke.
彼は軽く冗談を言った。
- English hint: He made a light/mild joke.
風邪を軽くひいた。
- English hint: I caught a light cold.
Notice how in these cases, 軽く describes the nature or intensity of the joke or the cold, making it less significant.
§ 3. Easily or Casually
Another common usage of 軽く is to describe something done easily, without much effort, or in a casual manner. This often applies to quick actions or brief engagements.
軽く食事をしましょう。
- English hint: Let's have a light meal (or a quick/casual meal).
彼はその問題を軽く解決した。
- English hint: He solved that problem easily/without difficulty.
§ 4. A Little Bit or Slightly
Sometimes 軽く can just mean 'a little' or 'slightly,' similar to 'ちょっと' (chotto). This is often used to soften a statement or to indicate a small degree of something.
この靴は軽く小さいです。
- English hint: These shoes are slightly/a little small.
コーヒーを軽く温めてください。
- English hint: Please warm the coffee slightly/a little.
As you can see, 軽く is a very useful adverb in Japanese. The key is to remember its core meaning of 'lightness' and apply it contextually to physical actions, intensity, ease, or degree. The more you read and listen to Japanese, the more natural its various applications will become. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in different situations, and try to incorporate it into your own conversations!
§ Understanding the Nuance of "Karuku"
The Japanese adverb "軽く" (karuku) means "lightly," but its usage goes beyond just physical lightness. English speakers often misunderstand its various applications, leading to awkward or incorrect sentences. Let's break down the common pitfalls.
§ Mistake 1: Using "Karuku" for Non-Physical Lightness Where It Doesn't Apply
While "軽く" can describe something being literally light in weight, it also has figurative meanings like "easily" or "briefly." However, it's not a universal stand-in for any kind of non-physical lightness.
- Wrong Example
I felt light after hearing the good news.
✕ 良い知らせを聞いて、軽くなった気がした。
- Correct Example
I felt relieved after hearing the good news.
〇 良い知らせを聞いて、気が楽になった。
§ Mistake 2: Overusing "Karuku" for "Slightly" or "A Little Bit"
While "軽く" can sometimes imply a slight degree, it's not a direct translation for "slightly" in all situations. This is especially true when describing abstract concepts or feelings.
- Wrong Example
I'm slightly tired.
✕ 軽く疲れている。
- Correct Example
I'm a little tired.
〇 少し疲れている。
§ Mistake 3: Not understanding "Karuku" for "Briefly" or "Casually"
"軽く" is often used to describe actions done briefly, easily, or without much effort or seriousness. This is where many learners miss the mark.
We had a light meal.
〇 軽く食事をした。
Let's grab a quick
〇 軽く一杯飲みに行こう。
I'll just briefly
〇 軽く説明します。
In these examples, "軽く" indicates that the action is not heavy, serious, or prolonged. It's done with ease and without much commitment.
§ Mistake 4: Confusing "Karuku" with "Yasashiku" (優しく)
While both can mean "gently," they are not interchangeable. "優しく" (yasashiku) implies kindness, tenderness, or softness in a more emotional or tactile sense. "軽く" focuses on the amount of force or effort.
- Wrong Example
He spoke to the child gently.
✕ 彼は子供に軽く話しかけた。
- Correct Example
He spoke to the child gently.
〇 彼は子供に優しく話しかけた。
However, if you're talking about a physical touch, "軽く" can describe a gentle touch that uses little force.
Touch it lightly.
〇 軽く触れてください。
§ Key Takeaways for Using "Karuku"
To avoid these mistakes, remember these points:
- Use "軽く" for physical lightness in weight.
- Use "軽く" for actions done easily, briefly, or without much effort/seriousness.
- Avoid "軽く" for general emotional lightness or abstract "slightness."
- Distinguish between "軽く" (less force/effort) and "優しく" (kindness/tenderness).
Practicing with various example sentences and paying attention to context will help you master the subtle nuances of "軽く." Don't be afraid to make mistakes; that's how you learn!
§ Understanding 軽く
The Japanese adverb 軽く (karuku) directly translates to 'lightly.' It's a versatile word you'll hear and use often in everyday conversation. Think of it as conveying a sense of effortlessness, gentleness, or a small degree of something. It comes from the adjective 軽い (karui), meaning 'light' (in weight or severity).
- Meaning
- Lightly; with little effort; gently; slightly.
§ Common uses of 軽く
You'll find 軽く used in many contexts. Here are some of the most common:
- Physical actions: Doing something with little force or weight.
- Effort or intensity: Suggesting something is done without much effort or to a small degree.
- Eating/Drinking: Referring to a light meal or drink.
- Feeling/Condition: Describing a mild condition or feeling.
§ Examples of 軽く in sentences
Let's look at some practical examples to see how 軽く is used.
ドアを軽く閉めてください。
(Doa o karuku shimete kudasai.)
Please close the door gently/lightly.
彼は軽くうなずいた。
(Kare wa karuku unazuita.)
He nodded slightly.
朝食は軽く済ませた。
(Chōshoku wa karuku sumaseta.)
I had a light breakfast.
風邪を軽くひいた。
(Kaze o karuku hiita.)
I caught a slight cold.
§ 軽く vs. other adverbs of degree
While 軽く means 'lightly,' it's helpful to compare it with other adverbs that express degree or intensity. This will help you choose the right word in different situations.
少し (sukoshi)
- Meaning
- A little; a few; slightly.
少し is a general-purpose word for 'a little' or 'slightly.' It indicates a small quantity or degree. While it can sometimes overlap with 軽く, 少し is broader and doesn't carry the same nuance of 'gentleness' or 'effortlessness' in physical actions.
コーヒーを少しください。
(Kōhī o sukoshi kudasai.)
Please give me a little coffee.
彼は少し疲れている。
(Kare wa sukoshi tsukarete iru.)
He is a little tired.
やや (yaya)
- Meaning
- A little; somewhat; slightly (often in written or formal contexts).
やや is more formal than 少し and is often used in written Japanese or more polite speech. It also means 'a little' or 'somewhat,' indicating a moderate degree. It's less common in everyday spoken Japanese compared to 少し or 軽く.
彼はやや緊張しているようだった。
(Kare wa yaya kinchō shite iru yō datta.)
He seemed a little/somewhat nervous.
§ When to use 軽く vs. alternatives
- Use 軽く when you want to express that an action is done with gentleness, little force, ease, or a small degree of intensity, especially for physical actions or mild conditions.
- Use 少し when you mean 'a little' in a general sense, for quantity, time, or a small degree of something without the nuance of 'gentle' or 'easy.'
- Use やや for a more formal or written way to say 'a little' or 'somewhat,' indicating a moderate degree.
In summary, while all three can sometimes translate to 'slightly,' 軽く has a specific nuance related to the manner or effort of an action. Pay attention to what you want to emphasize: the lightness/gentleness of an action (軽く), a small quantity/degree (少し), or a formal 'somewhat' (やや).
Niveau de difficulté
Common kanji, easy to recognize.
Straightforward kanji and hiragana.
Simple pronunciation.
Clear sound.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
卵を軽く混ぜます。
Lightly mix the eggs.
ドアを軽く閉めてください。
Please close the door lightly.
彼は軽く笑いました。
He smiled lightly.
荷物はとても軽いです。
The luggage is very light.
軽く考えてください。
Please think lightly (don't worry too much).
軽く手を振った。
I lightly waved my hand.
彼女は軽くお辞儀をしました。
She lightly bowed.
このパンは軽く焼いてください。
Please lightly toast this bread.
猫がテーブルから軽く飛び降りました。
The cat lightly jumped down from the table.
彼はドアを軽く閉めました。
He lightly closed the door.
私は朝食にパンを軽く焼きました。
I lightly toasted the bread for breakfast.
彼女は彼の肩を軽くたたいた。
She lightly tapped his shoulder.
雪が軽く降っています。
It's snowing lightly.
料理に塩を軽く振ってください。
Please lightly sprinkle salt on the dish.
彼は冗談を言って、皆を軽く笑わせた。
He told a joke and made everyone laugh lightly.
疲れたので、今日は軽く運動しました。
I was tired, so I exercised lightly today.
彼女はサラダにドレッシングを軽くかけた。
She lightly dressed the salad.
私は朝食にパンを軽く焼いた。
I lightly toasted bread for breakfast.
彼はドアを軽くノックした。
He lightly knocked on the door.
このバッグはとても軽く、持ち運びやすい。
This bag is very light and easy to carry.
風が彼女の髪を軽く揺らした。
The wind lightly stirred her hair.
会議は30分で軽く終わった。
The meeting finished lightly in 30 minutes (meaning it was quick/easy).
彼は私に軽く頭を下げた。
He gave me a light bow of his head.
運動前に体を軽くストレッチする。
Lightly stretch your body before exercise.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
軽く一杯どうですか？
How about a quick drink?
彼は問題を軽く見ている。
He's underestimating the problem.
軽くつまむものがありますか？
Is there something light to snack on?
週末は軽く旅行に行きたい。
I want to take a light trip on the weekend.
肩を軽く叩いた。
I lightly tapped his shoulder.
朝食は軽く済ませました。
I had a light breakfast.
その件については軽く触れただけだ。
I only lightly touched on that matter.
この箱は見た目よりも軽く感じる。
This box feels lighter than it looks.
彼は私の意見を軽く扱った。
He treated my opinion lightly.
軽くストレッチをしてから運動を始めた。
I started exercising after a light stretch.
Souvent confondu avec
This is the i-adjective 'light' (not heavy, not serious). 軽く is the adverb form.
Another adverb meaning 'lightly' or 'easily,' often emphasizing effortlessness or grace.
Means 'a little' or 'a few,' referring to quantity or degree, not the manner of an action.
Facile à confondre
This is the adjective form of 'light,' meaning not heavy or trivial. Learners might confuse it with the adverb '軽く' (karuku) if they don't understand the grammatical difference.
かるい is an i-adjective modifying a noun (e.g., 軽いカバン - karui kaban - a light bag).
この荷物はとても軽いです。 (Kono nimotsu wa totemo karui desu.) This luggage is very light.
This is also an adverb derived from 軽い, meaning 'lightly' or 'easily.' It emphasizes the ease or effortlessness of an action, which can overlap with 軽く.
軽々と often implies a certain grace or lack of difficulty. 軽く can be more general, referring to the degree of force or intensity.
彼はその重い箱を軽々と持ち上げた。 (Kare wa sono omoi hako o karugaru to mochiageta.) He easily lifted that heavy box.
Meaning 'a little' or 'a few,' learners might use it when they want to convey a 'light' amount of something, mistakenly thinking it can substitute for 軽く.
少し refers to quantity or degree. 軽く refers to the manner or intensity of an action.
コーヒーに砂糖を少し入れてください。 (Kōhī ni satō o sukoshi irete kudasai.) Please put a little sugar in the coffee.
Meaning 'weakly' or 'faintly,' this adverb can be confused with 軽く when describing a low intensity. However, 'weak' implies a lack of strength, while 'light' implies a lack of weight or force.
弱く focuses on the lack of strength or power. 軽く focuses on the minimal force or impact.
彼は弱くドアを叩いた。 (Kare wa yowaku doa o tataita.) He weakly knocked on the door.
Meaning 'easily' or 'simply,' this can be confused with 軽く when an action is performed without much effort. While related, 簡単に focuses on the simplicity of the task, whereas 軽く focuses on the low force applied.
簡単に describes the simplicity or straightforwardness of a task. 軽く describes the manner in which something is done with minimal force.
この問題は簡単に解けます。 (Kono mondai wa kantan ni tokemasu.) This problem can be solved easily.
Comment l'utiliser
When 軽く (karuku) is used with verbs like 叩く (tataku) - to tap/hit, 触る (sawaru) - to touch, or 持つ (motsu) - to hold, it emphasizes doing the action gently or with little force. For example, 軽く叩いてください (karuku tataite kudasai) means "Please tap it lightly."
It can also describe something being minor or not serious, often in a casual context. For instance, if you say 軽く運動する (karuku undou suru), it means "to exercise lightly" or "to do some light exercise."
A common mistake is confusing 軽く (karuku) with 少し (sukoshi) - a little/a small amount. While both can imply a small degree, 軽く specifically refers to the lightness of an action or weight, whereas 少し is more general about quantity or degree. For example, you wouldn't say 軽く水を飲む (karuku mizu o nomu) to mean "drink a little water"; you would say 少し水を飲む (sukoshi mizu o nomu). However, you can say 軽い荷物 (karui nimotsu) - light luggage, where 軽い is the adjective form.
Another error is overusing 軽く in situations where a more direct or different adverb would be appropriate. For instance, to say "eat a light meal," you would use 軽食 (keishoku) - light meal, rather than directly modifying "eat" with 軽く.
Astuces
Basic Meaning of '軽く'
The most common meaning of 軽く (karuku) is lightly, referring to something done with little force or weight. Think of it as the opposite of 'heavily'.
Using '軽く' for Weight
You can use 軽く to describe holding or carrying something with little weight. For example, 軽く持つ (karuku motsu) means 'to hold lightly'.
'軽く' for Actions
When applied to actions, 軽く means doing something without much effort or intensity. Like 軽く食べる (karuku taberu) meaning 'to eat lightly' (a small meal).
Expressions with '軽く'
Learn common phrases! 軽く運動する (karuku undou suru) means 'to exercise lightly' or 'do light exercise'. It's often used for a warm-up.
'軽く' for Speed
In some contexts, 軽く can imply quickly or briefly. For example, 軽く話す (karuku hanasu) could mean 'to talk briefly'.
Don't Confuse with '軽い' (Adjective)
Remember, 軽く (karuku) is an adverb (describes actions), while 軽い (karui) is an adjective (describes nouns), meaning 'light' (in weight). They are related but used differently.
Practice with Daily Routines
Integrate 軽く into your daily Japanese practice. Think about things you do lightly or briefly throughout your day and try to describe them using 軽く.
Listen for Context
The exact nuance of 軽く can depend on the verb it modifies. Pay attention to the surrounding words to grasp whether it means lightly, briefly, or easily.
Examples in Sentences
1. 軽くジョギングをする (Karuku jogingu o suru) - To lightly jog.
2. ドアを軽く閉める (Doa o karuku shimeru) - To close the door gently/lightly.
More Examples
3. 軽く挨拶をする (Karuku aisatsu o suru) - To give a brief greeting.
4. この箱は軽くて持ちやすい (Kono hako wa karukute mochiyasui) - This box is light and easy to carry. (Note: here 軽い is used as an adjective for 'light'.)
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThat's a great question! 軽く (karuku) is an adverb, which means it describes a verb or an adjective. Think of it like 'lightly' in English. For example, 軽く食べる (karuku taberu) means 'to eat lightly.' 軽い (karui) is an adjective, meaning 'light' in terms of weight or severity. So, 軽いカバン (karui kaban) means 'a light bag,' and 軽い病気 (karui byōki) means 'a light illness.' The key difference is their grammatical function: 軽く modifies actions, while 軽い describes nouns.
Yes, absolutely! 軽く can definitely imply ease or something being easy to do. For instance, if you say 彼はその問題を軽く解決した (kare wa sono mondai o karuku kaiketsu shita), it means 'He easily solved that problem.' It conveys that the task wasn't difficult for him. So, yes, it can mean 'easily' or 'without much effort.'
Good question! When you want to say you're taking something lightly, or not seriously, 軽く is perfect. You might hear phrases like 冗談を軽く受け流す (jōdan o karuku ukenagasu), which means 'to brush off a joke lightly' or 'to take a joke in stride.' Or, 彼はそのことを軽く考えている (kare wa sono koto o karuku kangaete iru) means 'He is thinking lightly of that matter,' implying he's not taking it seriously. So, it's used to describe a lack of seriousness or a casual attitude.
Not always! While 'lightly' in terms of weight is one common meaning, 軽く has broader applications. For example, you can use it to describe doing something quickly and without much effort, or taking something not seriously. Consider 軽く運動する (karuku undō suru) which means 'to do light exercise,' or 軽く触る (karuku sawaru) meaning 'to touch lightly.' So, it can refer to physical lightness, but also lightness of effort or seriousness.
Definitely! Here are a few common phrases with 軽く that you'll hear a lot:
- 軽く食べる (karuku taberu): To eat lightly (have a light meal or snack).
- 軽く一杯 (karuku ippai): A light drink (just one drink).
- 軽く運動する (karuku undō suru): To do light exercise.
- 軽く考える (karuku kangaeru): To think lightly of something, not take it seriously.
- 軽く見る (karuku miru): To underestimate or look down on someone/something.
That's an interesting thought! While 軽く itself doesn't directly describe the sound itself as 'light' in volume, it can describe an action that produces a light sound. For example, if you say 彼はドアを軽く閉めた (kare wa doa o karuku shimeta), it means 'He closed the door lightly,' implying it didn't make a loud noise. To directly describe a sound as 'light' or 'faint,' you might use words like 小さい音 (chiisai oto - small sound) or 微かな音 (kasukana oto - faint sound). So, 軽く describes the action that results in a light sound, rather than the sound quality itself.
軽く is quite neutral in terms of formality. You can use it in both casual and somewhat more formal contexts without it sounding out of place. It's a standard adverb. You don't need to worry about it being too casual or too stiff.
The kanji for 軽く is 軽. So, when written with kanji, it's 軽く. The 'く' part is hiragana. Understanding the kanji 軽 (kei/karu) can help you recognize related words like 軽い (karui - light) or 軽自動車 (keijidōsha - light car).
Yes, you can definitely use 軽く to express 'a little bit' or 'a small amount' in certain contexts, especially when talking about actions. For example, 軽く手伝う (karuku tetsudau) means 'to help a little bit.' Or, 軽く休憩する (karuku kyūkei suru) means 'to take a short break.' It implies doing something to a slight degree or for a short duration. So, yes, it can convey 'a little bit' when modifying verbs.
That's an excellent comparison! While all three can sometimes translate to 'a little bit,' their nuances differ. 少し (sukoshi) and ちょっと (chotto) generally refer to a small quantity or degree. 例えば、水が少しあります (mizu ga sukoshi arimasu - There is a little water). 軽く (karuku), on the other hand, often describes the manner or intensity of an action. It emphasizes doing something without heavy effort, weight, or seriousness. For instance, 軽く食べる (karuku taberu - to eat lightly) focuses on the light manner of eating, whereas 少し食べる (sukoshi taberu - to eat a little bit) focuses on the small quantity. Sometimes they can overlap, but 軽く specifically highlights the 'lightness' of the action. Think of 軽く as 'lightly' (adverb), and 少し/ちょっと as 'a little/a bit' (adverb or noun modifier).
Teste-toi 126 questions
このかばんはとても___です。
「軽く」は「軽い」の副詞形で、「重くない」という意味になります。カバンが重くない状態を表すので、「軽く」が適切です。
ドアを___開けてください。
「軽く開ける」は、優しく、静かに開けるという意味になります。ドアを優しく開ける状況なので、「軽く」が適切です。
彼は___ジョークを言いました。
「軽いジョーク」は、深刻ではない、気楽なジョークという意味になります。そのようなジョークを言った状況なので、「軽く」が適切です。
お腹が空いたので、___何か食べたいです。
「軽く何か食べる」は、あまり量を食べない、軽食をとるという意味になります。お腹が空いているけれど、重い食事ではない状況なので、「軽く」が適切です。
彼は私に___触れました。
「軽く触れる」は、優しく触れる、そっと触れるという意味になります。そのような触れ方をした状況なので、「軽く」が適切です。
彼女は___歌を歌いました。
「軽く歌う」は、気楽に、力の入っていない感じで歌うという意味になります。そのような歌い方をした状況なので、「軽く」が適切です。
Choose the correct way to say 'lightly' in Japanese.
「軽く」 (karuku) means 'lightly'.
Which sentence uses '軽く' correctly to mean 'lightly'?
「軽く」 can describe an action done without much effort or in a small amount, like eating lightly.
You want to say 'Please hold it lightly.' Which Japanese phrase is correct?
「軽く持ってください」 (Karuku motte kudasai) means 'Please hold it lightly.'
「軽く」 can be used to describe something that is not heavy.
While 「軽い」 (karui) is the adjective for 'light' (not heavy), 「軽く」 (karuku) is the adverb. However, it is related to the idea of lightness.
「軽く」 means 'quickly'.
「早く」 (hayaku) means 'quickly'. 「軽く」 (karuku) means 'lightly'.
If you say 「軽く走ります」 (karuku hashirimasu), it means 'I run heavily'.
「軽く走ります」 means 'I run lightly' or 'I jog'. 「重く」 (omoku) means 'heavily'.
Choose the sentence where 「軽く」 is used correctly.
「軽く」 (karuku) means 'lightly' or 'slightly'. In this context, 'lightly toasted' makes the most sense. The other options imply 'lightly' in a way that doesn't fit the natural meaning of the verbs.
Which of the following describes an action done 「軽く」?
「軽く」 suggests an action done with minimal force or effort, or to a small degree. 'Touching only a little' fits this meaning best.
What is the opposite of doing something 「軽く」?
If 「軽く」 means 'lightly' or 'gently', then 'strongly' (強く) is its direct opposite in terms of force or intensity.
If you say 「軽く走る」, it means to run very fast.
「軽く走る」 (karuku hashiru) means to run lightly or easily, perhaps for a short distance or without much effort, not necessarily very fast.
「軽く食べる」 means to eat a small amount of food.
「軽く食べる」 (karuku taberu) implies eating lightly, meaning not a large or heavy meal, but rather a small or light snack.
You can use 「軽く」 to describe someone who is very serious.
「軽く」 usually refers to physical lightness or a lack of intensity/seriousness in an action. It's not typically used to describe a serious personality.
You want to say that you'll eat something lightly. Write a simple Japanese sentence expressing this.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
晩ご飯は軽く食べます。
Describe a situation where someone is speaking softly. Use '軽く' in your sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼女は軽く話しました。
Imagine you are suggesting a light exercise. Write a Japanese sentence using '軽く'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今日は軽く運動しましょう。
筆者は今日の夜にどのような食事をしたいですか？ (What kind of meal does the writer want tonight?)
Read this passage:
今日の夜は、何か軽く食べたいです。重い食事は避けたいです。例えば、サラダやスープがいいですね。飲み物も、お茶が良いです。
筆者は今日の夜にどのような食事をしたいですか？ (What kind of meal does the writer want tonight?)
文章に「何か軽く食べたいです。」とあります。(It says in the passage 'I want to eat something light.')
文章に「何か軽く食べたいです。」とあります。(It says in the passage 'I want to eat something light.')
彼がジョギングをするのは、どんなペースですか？ (What is the pace of his jogging?)
Read this passage:
彼はいつも軽くジョギングをします。健康のために、毎朝欠かさず走っています。長い時間ではなく、短い時間だけです。
彼がジョギングをするのは、どんなペースですか？ (What is the pace of his jogging?)
文章に「彼はいつも軽くジョギングをします。」とあります。(It says in the passage 'He always jogs lightly.')
文章に「彼はいつも軽くジョギングをします。」とあります。(It says in the passage 'He always jogs lightly.')
パーティーで人々はどのような会話をしていましたか？ (What kind of conversation were people having at the party?)
Read this passage:
パーティーでは、みんなが軽くおしゃべりをしていました。深い話ではなく、天気の話や、最近あった面白い出来事について話していました。
パーティーで人々はどのような会話をしていましたか？ (What kind of conversation were people having at the party?)
文章に「みんなが軽くおしゃべりをしていました。」とあります。(It says in the passage 'Everyone was chatting lightly.')
文章に「みんなが軽くおしゃべりをしていました。」とあります。(It says in the passage 'Everyone was chatting lightly.')
This sentence means 'I will lightly jog.' The particles 'は' and 'を' mark the topic and direct object respectively. '軽く' modifies 'ジョギングします' (jog).
This sentence means 'He lightly closed the door.' 'は' marks the topic, 'を' marks the direct object. '軽く' modifies the verb '閉めました' (closed).
This sentence means 'She lightly smiled.' 'は' marks the topic. '軽く' modifies the verb '微笑んだ' (smiled).
この箱はとても軽いですから、___持ち上げられます。
The sentence means 'This box is very light, so it can be lifted lightly.' '軽く' (karuku) means 'lightly' and fits the context of lifting a light box. '重く' (omoku) means 'heavily', '速く' (hayaku) means 'quickly' (for speed), and '早く' (hayaku) means 'early' or 'quickly' (for time).
彼女は___ドアを閉めたので、誰も気づかなかった。
The sentence means 'She closed the door lightly, so no one noticed.' '軽く' (karuku) implies closing something gently or without much force, which aligns with 'no one noticed'. '強く' (tsuyoku) means 'strongly' or 'loudly', '静かに' (shizuka ni) means 'quietly' (but '軽く' specifically refers to the amount of force), and '速く' (hayaku) means 'quickly'.
ダイエット中なので、夕食は___食べました。
The sentence means 'I'm on a diet, so I ate lightly for dinner.' '軽く' (karuku) in this context means 'lightly' in terms of amount of food. 'たくさん' (takusan) means 'a lot', 'あまり' (amari) means 'not much' (when used with a negative verb), and '早く' (hayaku) means 'early' or 'quickly'.
私は肩が凝っていたので、___マッサージしてもらいました。
The sentence means 'My shoulders were stiff, so I had them massaged lightly.' '軽く' (karuku) implies a gentle massage. '強く' (tsuyoku) means 'strongly', '早く' (hayaku) means 'quickly', and 'たくさん' (takusan) means 'a lot'.
このコーヒーは___苦いです。ミルクを入れましょうか。
The sentence means 'This coffee is lightly bitter. Shall I add milk?' Here, '軽く' (karuku) describes a slight or mild bitterness. 'とても' (totemo) means 'very', '少し' (sukoshi) means 'a little' (quantity), and 'あまり' (amari) means 'not much' (with negative verb).
彼の意見は___扱われ、真剣に聞かれなかった。
The sentence means 'His opinion was treated lightly and not seriously heard.' In this context, '軽く' (karuku) means 'lightly' or 'casually', implying a lack of seriousness. '重く' (omoku) means 'heavily' or 'seriously', '強く' (tsuyoku) means 'strongly', and '速く' (hayaku) means 'quickly'.
Choose the sentence where 「軽く」 is used correctly.
「軽く」 means 'lightly' or 'gently'. Toasting bread lightly is a common usage. The other options use 'lightly' in a way that doesn't fit the context (reading heavily, slamming gently, drinking heavily).
Which of the following describes something done 'lightly' using 「軽く」?
「軽く持つ」 means to hold something without much force or weight, which directly translates to 'hold lightly'. The other options describe actions that are not 'light' or use a different adverb.
What is the most appropriate action to describe as 「軽く」 in this sentence: 「今日のテストは___済んだ。」(Kyō no tesuto wa ___ sunda.)?
When something is '済んだ' (finished/over), describing it as '軽く' implies it was done easily or without much difficulty. '重く' (heavily) and '難しく' (difficultly) are opposites, and '早く' (quickly) is about speed, not effort.
You can use 「軽く」 to describe eating a small meal. (例: 軽く食べる)
Yes, 「軽く食べる」 (karuku taberu) is a common phrase meaning 'to eat lightly' or 'to have a light meal'.
「軽く」 can be used to mean 'seriously' or 'with great effort'.
No, 「軽く」 means 'lightly', 'gently', or 'easily'. It is the opposite of 'seriously' or 'with great effort'.
If you say someone takes things 「軽く」, it means they take them seriously.
No, if someone takes things 「軽く」 (karuku), it means they take them lightly, not seriously. They might not be bothered by them much.
You want to tell your friend that you'll have a light meal. Write a sentence using 軽く.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昼ごはんは軽く済ませるね。(I'll just have a light lunch.)
You need to describe picking up a light object. Write a sentence using 軽く.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この箱は軽いから、片手で軽く持てるよ。(This box is light, so you can hold it lightly with one hand.)
You are giving instructions to gently tap on a door. Write a sentence using 軽く.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ドアを軽くノックしてください。(Please tap lightly on the door.)
What is the speaker's plan for tonight?
Read this passage:
今日の夜は、仕事が終わってから友達と軽く飲みに行く予定です。最近は忙しかったので、少しだけ気分転換したいと思っています。
What is the speaker's plan for tonight?
The passage says 軽く飲みに行く (go for a light drink) and 気分転換したい (want to change their mood slightly).
The passage says 軽く飲みに行く (go for a light drink) and 気分転換したい (want to change their mood slightly).
What kind of breakfast does he usually have?
Read this passage:
彼はいつも朝食は軽く済ませます。トースト一枚とコーヒーだけです。健康のために、食べすぎないように気をつけています。
What kind of breakfast does he usually have?
The passage states 朝食は軽く済ませます (he finishes breakfast lightly) and mentions トースト一枚とコーヒーだけ (just one slice of toast and coffee).
The passage states 朝食は軽く済ませます (he finishes breakfast lightly) and mentions トースト一枚とコーヒーだけ (just one slice of toast and coffee).
What is described about this snack?
Read this passage:
このお菓子はとても軽く、口の中で溶けるような食感です。甘さも控えめで、誰にでも好かれる味だと思います。
What is described about this snack?
The passage says とても軽く、口の中で溶けるような食感です (very light, with a texture that melts in your mouth).
The passage says とても軽く、口の中で溶けるような食感です (very light, with a texture that melts in your mouth).
This sentence means 'He greeted lightly.' The order is Subject + Topic Marker + Adverb + Noun + Verb (past tense).
This sentence means 'That box was lighter than it looked and easy to carry.' The order is Demonstrative + Noun + Topic Marker + Comparison + Adverbial form of adjective + connecting form + Verb (past tense).
This sentence means 'She smiled lightly. And then, she spoke to me.' The order is Subject + Topic Marker + Adverb + Verb (past tense) + Conjunction + Subject + Object Marker + Verb (past tense).
料理に塩を___加える。
「軽く」は「少しだけ」という意味で、料理に塩を加える際に適度な量を表現するのに使われます。
彼はドアを___ノックした。
「軽くノックした」は、控えめに、または静かにノックしたことを意味します。
風が___髪をなでた。
「軽く」は、優しく、弱く、という意味で、風が髪をなでる様子を表すのに適しています。
質問に___答える。
「軽く答える」は、気軽に、または簡潔に答えることを意味します。
肩を___たたく。
「軽くたたく」は、優しく、または弱くたたくことを意味します。
このバッグは___て持ち運びやすい。
「軽い」は、重くない、という意味で、持ち運びやすいバッグの特徴を説明するのに使われます。
She lightly waved her hand to say goodbye.
Hearing the news, he was slightly surprised.
I had a light dinner and immediately returned to work.
Read this aloud:
彼は軽くジョークを言って、場の雰囲気を和ませた。
Focus: かるくジョークをいって
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Read this aloud:
このバッグはとても軽く、持ち運びが便利です。
Focus: かるく、もちこび
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Read this aloud:
軽く運動してから、シャワーを浴びました。
Focus: かるくうんどう
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You're packing for a short trip. Describe what you're bringing and how you'll pack it lightly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は週末旅行のために、服を軽くたたんで小さいカバンに入れます。必要なものだけを選び、余分なものは持っていきません。これなら、移動も楽になります。
Describe a time when you had to adjust your plans quickly because something unexpected happened. How did you handle it lightly?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
急な仕事の依頼が入った時、週末の計画を軽く変更しました。友人に連絡して別の日に会うことにし、その日は仕事に集中しました。柔軟に対応できたので、ストレスなく切り抜けられました。
Imagine you're giving advice to someone who is too stressed about their studies. How would you tell them to take things more lightly?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
勉強でストレスを感じているなら、もう少し軽く考えてみたらどうでしょうか。完璧を目指すのではなく、できる範囲でやることが大切です。たまには休憩して、リラックスすることも忘れずに。
同僚は田中さんに何をアドバイスしましたか？
Read this passage:
田中さんはいつも真面目に仕事をします。しかし、最近は少し働きすぎているようです。同僚が「もっと軽く考えてもいいんじゃない？」とアドバイスしました。田中さんは、その言葉を聞いて少し気持ちが楽になったと言っていました。
同僚は田中さんに何をアドバイスしましたか？
同僚は「もっと軽く考えてもいいんじゃない？」とアドバイスしています。
同僚は「もっと軽く考えてもいいんじゃない？」とアドバイスしています。
筆者は料理で塩を使う際、どのような方法を推奨していますか？
Read this passage:
料理を作る時、塩を軽く振るだけで味が大きく変わることがあります。入れすぎると修正が難しいですが、少しずつ加えることで好みの味に調整できます。これは他の調味料にも言えることです。
筆者は料理で塩を使う際、どのような方法を推奨していますか？
「塩を軽く振るだけで味が大きく変わることがあります。入れすぎると修正が難しいですが、少しずつ加えることで好みの味に調整できます。」とあります。
「塩を軽く振るだけで味が大きく変わることがあります。入れすぎると修正が難しいですが、少しずつ加えることで好みの味に調整できます。」とあります。
会議が早く終わった主な理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
今日の会議は予定よりも早く終わりました。参加者全員が事前に資料を読んでいたため、議論がスムーズに進んだからです。議題も軽く済ませることができ、皆、効率的な会議に満足していました。
会議が早く終わった主な理由は何ですか？
「参加者全員が事前に資料を読んでいたため、議論がスムーズに進んだから」と明確に述べられています。
「参加者全員が事前に資料を読んでいたため、議論がスムーズに進んだから」と明確に述べられています。
彼女は彼の肩に___手を置いた。
「軽く」は「lightly」という意味で、ここでは優しく手を置く様子を表すのに適切です。
この素材はとても___て、持ち運びが楽だ。
文脈から、持ち運びが楽である理由として「軽い」が適切です。
冗談を言ったら、彼は___笑った。
「軽く笑う」は、控えめに、あるいはにこやかに笑う様子を表します。
このコーヒーは___て飲みやすい。
「軽い」は、コーヒーの味が薄い、またはマイルドであることを表すのに使われます。
彼はその問題を___あしらった。
「軽くあしらう」は、問題をあまり深刻に考えず、簡単に対処する様子を表します。
週末は___運動する予定だ。
「軽く運動する」は、無理なく、適度な運動をすることを意味します。
彼女はプレゼンテーションで、重要な点を___触れた。
「軽く触れる」は、控えめに、または簡単に言及するという意味で使われます。プレゼンテーションで重要な点にサラッと触れる状況を表します。
このケーキはクリームが___て、いくらでも食べられそうだ。
「クリームが軽い」は、クリームの食感や味がしつこくなく、さっぱりしていることを表します。たくさんの量を食べられるほど美味しい、というニュアンスです。
彼は新しい仕事のオファーを___断った。
「軽く断る」は、あまり深く考えずに、または簡単に断るという意味で使われます。ここでは、迷いなくそのオファーを受け入れなかった状況を示します。
「軽く考える」という表現は、物事を真剣に捉えている状態を表す。
「軽く考える」は、物事を深く考えず、安易に捉えることを意味します。真剣に捉えている状態とは逆です。
運動後に「体を軽く感じる」と言った場合、疲労感がなく、体調が良いことを意味する。
運動後に「体を軽く感じる」は、体が軽やかで、疲労感がなく、気分が爽快であることを表します。
料理で「塩を軽く振る」とは、たくさんの塩を使うことを指す。
「塩を軽く振る」は、控えめに、少量だけ塩を加えることを意味します。たくさん使うことではありません。
The box was lighter than it looked.
He left the room after a brief greeting.
A job started casually became his main profession before he knew it.
Read this aloud:
このリュックはとても軽いので、旅行に最適です。
Focus: かるい (karui)
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Read this aloud:
彼はその問題を軽く見ているようだ。
Focus: かるくみている (karuku mite iru)
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Read this aloud:
肩の荷が下りて、心が軽く感じる。
Focus: こころがかるく (kokoro ga karuku)
Tu as dit :
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This sentence means, 'He took the situation lightly, so it developed into a serious problem.' The word '軽く' modifies '見ていた' (was viewing/taking).
This sentence translates to, 'She always appears to take things lightly, but in fact, she considers them deeply.' '軽く' modifies '考えている' (is thinking).
This sentence means, 'Regarding this matter, I also initially took it lightly, but the situation was more serious than I thought.' '軽く' modifies '受け止めていた' (was receiving/taking).
彼女はプレゼンテーションで、難しい内容を___説明して、聴衆の理解を深めた。
文脈から、難しい内容を「簡単に、分かりやすく」説明したことを意味するため、「軽く」が適切です。
この絵は、筆致が___、淡い色彩で描かれており、観る者に安らぎを与える。
筆致が「軽やかである」ことを表すため、「軽く」が適切です。淡い色彩と組み合わさり、安らぎを与える雰囲気を醸し出しています。
会議で彼が提案したアイデアは、最初は___扱われたが、後にその重要性が認められた。
アイデアが「重要視されなかった、安易に扱われた」ことを表すため、「軽く」が適切です。
長年連れ添った夫婦だが、些細な喧嘩を___流せるようになり、関係はより円満になった。
些細な喧嘩を「気にせず、深く考えずに済ませる」ことを表すため、「軽く」が適切です。
新しいプロジェクトの企画書は、まだ骨子段階なので、内容は___目を通しておいてください。
骨子段階なので、「詳細までではなく、ざっと」目を通すことを意味するため、「軽く」が適切です。
彼の発言は、その場の雰囲気を___和ませ、緊張を解き放つ効果があった。
雰囲気を「やわらかく、穏やかに」することを意味するため、「軽く」が適切です。
Choose the sentence where 「軽く」 is used metaphorically.
「軽く考える」means to consider something without seriousness or depth, which is a metaphorical use of 'lightly.'
Which of the following best describes the nuance of 「軽く謝る」?
「軽く謝る」 implies an apology that is not heartfelt or deep, often done quickly or superficially.
In which situation would 「軽く一杯」 be appropriate?
「軽く一杯」 literally means 'a light one drink,' implying a casual, quick drink rather than a heavy or prolonged drinking session.
「軽くあしらう」 means to treat someone with great respect and seriousness.
「軽くあしらう」 means to treat someone lightly, dismissively, or without much regard, not with great respect.
If someone says 「軽く運動する」, it suggests they are engaging in strenuous physical activity.
「軽く運動する」 means to do light exercise, implying a less intense physical activity, not strenuous.
When referring to food, 「軽い味」 indicates a strong, rich flavor.
「軽い味」 refers to a mild, subtle, or not-heavy flavor, the opposite of a strong, rich flavor.
The problem should not be taken lightly; you should address it seriously.
He lightly brushed off the news, but it later turned out to have significant meaning.
The plan I had taken lightly unexpectedly achieved great success.
Read this aloud:
この件に関しては、軽く考えるべきではありません。
Focus: かるく
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Read this aloud:
彼は問題を軽く扱いすぎた。
Focus: あつかいすぎた
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Read this aloud:
今日の会議は軽く済ませてしまいましょう。
Focus: すませてしまいましょう
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Imagine you're giving advice to a friend who is starting a new hobby. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about how to approach it 'lightly' at first, without getting overwhelmed. Use 軽く in your response.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しい趣味を始めるなら、最初は**軽く**取り組むのがいいよ。すぐに完璧を目指さずに、まずは楽しむことを優先してみて。焦らずに、自分のペースで続けることが大切だからね。
You are describing a delicate touch for an art project. Explain how you would 'lightly' apply paint or handle a fragile material. Use 軽く in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この絵の具は、とてもデリケートなので、筆を**軽く**持って、そっと塗る必要があります。素材も壊れやすいので、細心の注意を払って**軽く**扱うように心がけてください。少しの力加減で仕上がりが大きく変わります。
Write a short blog post entry (3-4 sentences) about the importance of not taking things too seriously, and instead, approaching life's challenges 'lightly'. Use 軽く in your post.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
人生の課題に直面した時、すべてを真剣に受け止めすぎると疲れてしまいます。時には物事を**軽く**考えることも大切です。そうすることで、ストレスを軽減し、より柔軟な姿勢で困難を乗り越えられるでしょう。肩の力を抜いていきましょう。
この会議では、どのような議論が行われましたか？
Read this passage:
今日の会議は、プレゼンテーションがいくつかあったが、議論は**軽く**済んだ。重要な決定は来週に持ち越されたため、今回は情報の共有が主な目的だったようだ。皆、リラックスした雰囲気で意見を交わしていた。
この会議では、どのような議論が行われましたか？
「議論は軽く済んだ」という表現から、深い議論には至らず、表面的な内容で終わったことがわかります。
「議論は軽く済んだ」という表現から、深い議論には至らず、表面的な内容で終わったことがわかります。
「彼の軽くて機知に富んだコメント」とは、どのようなコメントを指していますか？
Read this passage:
彼はいつも冗談を言って場を和ませるのが得意だ。どんなに緊張した状況でも、彼の**軽く**て機知に富んだコメントで、皆の顔に笑顔が戻る。そのおかげで、チームの雰囲気はいつも良好だ。
「彼の軽くて機知に富んだコメント」とは、どのようなコメントを指していますか？
「軽く」という言葉が、深刻ではない、ユーモラスな様子を表しています。文脈からも、場の雰囲気を和ませる役割であることが読み取れます。
「軽く」という言葉が、深刻ではない、ユーモラスな様子を表しています。文脈からも、場の雰囲気を和ませる役割であることが読み取れます。
このスープの味付けの特徴は何ですか？
Read this passage:
このスープは、風邪をひいたときに体が温まるように、薬味を**軽く**加えてあります。強い味付けは避け、胃に優しいあっさりとした味わいに仕上げました。消化にも良いので、体調が悪いときにおすすめです。
このスープの味付けの特徴は何ですか？
「薬味を軽く加えてあります」という表現と、「強い味付けは避け、胃に優しいあっさりとした味わいに仕上げました」という記述から、あっさりとした味付けであることがわかります。
「薬味を軽く加えてあります」という表現と、「強い味付けは避け、胃に優しいあっさりとした味わいに仕上げました」という記述から、あっさりとした味付けであることがわかります。
This sentence means 'He was taking the situation lightly, but it was actually serious.' The adverb 軽く (karuku) modifies the verb 見ていた (miteita - was looking at/taking).
This sentence means 'The chef lightly tapped the herbs to bring out their aroma.' 軽く (karuku) describes the action of 叩いて (tataite - tapping).
This sentence means 'She lightly brushed off the criticism, but inwardly she was hurt.' 軽く (karuku) modifies 受け流したが (ukenagashita ga - brushed off).
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Summary
軽く (karuku) means 'lightly' and is used when an action is done gently, slightly, or without much force.
- gently
- slightly
- lightly
Basic Meaning of '軽く'
The most common meaning of 軽く (karuku) is lightly, referring to something done with little force or weight. Think of it as the opposite of 'heavily'.
Using '軽く' for Weight
You can use 軽く to describe holding or carrying something with little weight. For example, 軽く持つ (karuku motsu) means 'to hold lightly'.
'軽く' for Actions
When applied to actions, 軽く means doing something without much effort or intensity. Like 軽く食べる (karuku taberu) meaning 'to eat lightly' (a small meal).
Expressions with '軽く'
Learn common phrases! 軽く運動する (karuku undou suru) means 'to exercise lightly' or 'do light exercise'. It's often used for a warm-up.
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Grammaire lie
Expressions liées
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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).
