肥える
肥える in 30 Seconds
- 肥える (koeru) means to gain weight or get fat.
- It's used for physical accumulation of body fat.
- Common in casual talk about food, holidays, and lifestyle.
- Alternatives include 太る (futōru) and ふくよかになる (fukuyoka ni naru).
- Meaning
- The Japanese verb 肥える (koeru) directly translates to 'to gain weight' or 'to get fat'. It is used to describe the physical process of accumulating body fat, leading to an increase in body mass. This can happen for various reasons, such as overeating, lack of exercise, or changes in metabolism.
- Usage Contexts
- People commonly use 肥える when discussing personal weight changes, often in a self-deprecating or humorous way, especially after holidays or periods of indulgence. It can also be used to describe animals that have become plump or well-fed. In a more figurative sense, though less common, it can imply becoming rich or prosperous, like a 'fattened' bank account, but this is a secondary meaning and not the primary focus for learners.
- Nuance
- While 肥える is a direct and common term, Japanese culture can sometimes be indirect about discussing weight. However, among friends or in casual settings, it's perfectly acceptable. The verb implies a noticeable and often undesirable increase in body fat. It's important to distinguish it from simply being 'big' or 'large' (大きい - ookii) which refers to size in general, rather than the accumulation of fat.
お正月はたくさん食べて、少し肥えました。
この猫はよく寝ているので、ずいぶん肥えた。
最近運動不足で、体が肥えてきた気がする。
- Basic Conjugation
- 肥える (koeru) is a Group 1 verb (godan doushi). Its plain past form is 肥えた (koeta), and its polite past form is 肥えました (koemashita). The present tense plain form is 肥える (koeru), and the polite form is 肥えます (koemasu).
- Common Sentence Structures
- When talking about gaining weight, you'll often see the structure: [Subject] は [Reason] で、肥えた/肥えています ([Subject] gained weight/is gaining weight due to [Reason]). The reason can be a noun phrase or a clause ending in a particle like で (de) or から (kara).
- Using with Adverbs
- Adverbs like 少し (sukoshi - a little), たくさん (takusan - a lot), ずいぶん (zuibun - quite), and また (mata - again) are frequently used with 肥える to indicate the degree of weight gain.
運動をやめたら、すぐに肥えてしまった。
最近、食べ過ぎで体が肥えてきた。
健康のために、これ以上肥えないように気をつけます。
- Everyday Conversations
- You'll frequently hear 肥える in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues, especially when discussing recent meals, holidays, or changes in lifestyle. It's a common topic when people talk about dieting or exercise routines. For instance, someone might say, 'I went to a buffet yesterday and I think I gained weight,' which would be '昨日のバイキングで、肥えたと思います (Kinou no baikingu de, koeta to omoimasu).'.
- Media and Entertainment
- In Japanese dramas, anime, and variety shows, characters might use 肥える to add a touch of realism or humor. A character complaining about their appearance after overeating, or a pet owner commenting on their animal's plumpness, would likely use this word. For example, a character might lament, 'Oh no, I've gained weight again!' which could be expressed as 'あー、また肥えてしまった! (Aa, mata koete shimatta!)'.
- Health and Diet Discussions
- In contexts related to health, fitness, or dieting, 肥える is a standard term. Health professionals might advise patients on how to avoid gaining weight, or people might discuss their struggles with weight management using this verb. A doctor might say, 'It's important not to gain weight,' which translates to '肥えないようにすることが大切です (Koenai you ni suru koto ga taisetsu desu)'.
- Animal Descriptions
- When describing pets or farm animals that have become well-fed and plump, 肥える is often used. For instance, someone might say their cat has gotten fat because it eats a lot and doesn't move much: 'うちの猫はよく食べてあまり動かないから、肥えたね。(Uchi no neko wa yoku tabete amari ugokanai kara, koeta ne.)'.
テレビで見たダイエット法を試したら、逆に肥えてしまった。
この冬は寒かったので、家でばかりしていて少し肥えました。
- Confusing with Other Verbs
- Learners might confuse 肥える (koeru) with verbs related to general growth or increase. For example, 増える (fueru - to increase) is used for quantities, not physical body mass. Using 増える to say 'I gained weight' would be incorrect. The correct verb for gaining body fat is always 肥える.
- Incorrect Conjugation
- As a Group 1 verb, 肥える follows specific conjugation rules. A common mistake is to treat it like a Group 2 verb. For instance, saying 肥えった (koetta) instead of 肥えた (koeta) for the past tense, or 肥えます (koemasu) when it should be 肥えます (koemasu) in the polite present tense. Always remember its group classification.
- Using Figurative Meaning Incorrectly
- While 肥える can metaphorically mean 'to become rich' or 'to prosper', this is a less common usage and should be avoided by learners until they are very comfortable with the primary meaning. Using it in contexts where it doesn't fit can sound awkward or even nonsensical. Stick to the literal meaning of gaining body fat.
- Overuse or Underuse
- Some learners might underuse 肥える, opting for vaguer expressions, or overuse it in situations where it might sound too direct or blunt, especially in formal settings. It's important to gauge the context and relationship with the listener. In casual settings, it's fine, but in formal discussions about health, more nuanced phrasing might be preferred.
間違った使い方:運動をやめたら、すぐに増えてしまった。
間違った使い方:最近、体が肥えそうだ。
- 太る (futōru)
- 太る (futōru) is another very common verb meaning 'to gain weight' or 'to get fat'. It is often used interchangeably with 肥える. However, 太る might be considered slightly more direct or even a bit cruder by some, while 肥える can sometimes carry a slightly softer or more descriptive nuance, especially when referring to gradual accumulation. For learners, both are essential and largely synonymous in everyday use.
- 肥満 (himan)
- 肥満 (himan) is a noun meaning 'obesity'. It is a more clinical or formal term used in medical contexts or when discussing serious weight issues. It does not function as a verb like 肥える or 太る. You would say someone 'has obesity' (肥満である - himan de aru) rather than they 'are getting obese' using 肥満 itself.
- 体型が変わる (taikei ga kawaru)
- 体型が変わる (taikei ga kawaru) means 'one's body shape changes'. This is a more general phrase and can encompass gaining weight, losing weight, or simply a change in body composition. It's less specific than 肥える or 太る but can be used when you want to be less direct about weight gain.
- ふくよかになる (fukuyoka ni naru)
- ふくよかになる (fukuyoka ni naru) means 'to become plump' or 'to become full-figured'. This is a more polite and softer way to describe gaining weight, often used to describe someone who has a healthy, rounded figure rather than being overweight. It carries a more positive or neutral connotation compared to 肥える or 太る.
肥える vs 太る: どちらも「体重が増える」という意味で使われますが、太るの方がより一般的で直接的な表現です。肥えるは、少しずつ蓄積していくニュアンスを持つこともあります。
肥満は病気や健康状態を指す言葉で、動詞の肥えるや太るとは異なります。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 肥 can also be used in other contexts, such as 肥料 (hiryō) meaning 'fertilizer', which relates to making the soil 'fertile' or 'fat'. This highlights the core meaning of richness and abundance associated with the character.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'e' sound as 'ay' (like in 'say'). It should be a shorter, more open sound.
- Omitting the slight roll or tap of the 'r' in 'ru', making it sound too flat.
- Confusing it with similar-sounding words.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji 肥 might be unfamiliar initially, but the verb form 肥える is common. Understanding its usage in context with other particles and verbs is key for B1 level comprehension.
Applying the correct conjugation and using it naturally in sentences requires practice. Distinguishing it from similar verbs like 太る is important.
Pronunciation is straightforward. Using it confidently in casual conversation about personal experiences is the main challenge.
Once familiar with the sound and context, it's easily recognizable in everyday speech, especially in discussions about food or lifestyle.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using 〜てしまう (te shimau) to express completion or regret.
食べ過ぎて肥えてしまった。(Tabesugite koete shimatta.) - I ate too much and ended up gaining weight (with a sense of regret).
Using 〜ようだ (you da) or 〜そうだ (sou da) to express appearance or likelihood.
最近、肥えたようだ。(Saikin, koeta you da.) - It seems I've gained weight recently. / 少し肥えそうだ。(Sukoshi koesou da.) - It looks like I might gain a little weight.
Using 〜ようにする (you ni suru) to express making an effort to do something.
肥えないように努力しています。(Koenai you ni doryoku shite imasu.) - I am making an effort not to gain weight.
Using 〜やすい (yasui) and 〜にくい (nikui) to express ease or difficulty.
私は肥えやすい体質です。(Watashi wa koeyasui taishitsu desu.) - I have a constitution prone to gaining weight.
Using 〜ながら (nagara) to express doing two actions simultaneously.
食べながら、肥えないように気をつけよう。(Tabenagara, koenai you ni ki o tsukeyou.) - While eating, I'll try to be careful not to gain weight.
Examples by Level
太った。
I got fat.
Simple past tense of 太る (futōru).
たくさん食べすぎた。
I ate too much.
Using すぎる (sugiru) to indicate excess.
運動しないと。
I need to exercise.
Using と (to) with する to express necessity.
これは美味しい。
This is delicious.
Basic adjective usage.
お腹がいっぱい。
My stomach is full.
Using いっぱい (ippai) to describe fullness.
また太った。
I gained weight again.
Using また (mata) for repetition.
体重が増えた。
My weight increased.
Using 増える (fueru) for increase.
ダイエットしたい。
I want to diet.
Using 〜たい (tai) to express desire.
最近、少し肥えました。
Lately, I've gained a little weight.
Using 肥える (koeru) in the polite past tense with 少し (sukoshi).
この服がきつくなった。
These clothes have become tight.
Using 〜くなった (kunatta) to indicate a change in state.
食べ過ぎて、お腹が痛い。
I ate too much, and my stomach hurts.
Using 〜て (te) form to connect clauses.
健康のために、運動を始めました。
For my health, I started exercising.
Using 〜ために (tame ni) to express purpose.
年末年始は太りやすい。
It's easy to gain weight during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Using 〜やすい (yasui) to indicate ease.
もっと野菜を食べよう。
Let's eat more vegetables.
Using 〜よう (you) for suggestions.
甘いものは控えめにしています。
I'm limiting sweets.
Using 〜めにしています (me ni shite imasu) to indicate moderation.
体重を測ってみよう。
Let's try measuring my weight.
Using 〜てみよう (te miyou) for suggestion/trying.
最近、運動不足で少し肥えてきた気がする。
Lately, I feel like I've been gaining a little weight due to lack of exercise.
Using 〜気がする (ki ga suru) to express a feeling or hunch.
お正月のごちそう続きで、見事に肥えた。
Following the New Year's feasts, I gained a considerable amount of weight.
Using 見事に (migoto ni) as an adverb emphasizing the extent of the weight gain.
健康診断で、もう少し痩せるように言われた。
At my health check-up, I was told to lose a little more weight.
Passive voice: 〜ように言われた (you ni iwareta - was told to).
昔はどんなに食べても肥えなかったのに。
Even though I used to eat a lot and never gain weight.
Using 〜のに (noni) to express contrast.
このダイエット食品は、本当に肥えないのだろうか?
I wonder if this diet food really prevents weight gain?
Using 〜のだろうか (no darou ka) for wondering.
ストレスで食欲が増し、知らず知らずのうちに肥えてしまった。
Due to stress, my appetite increased, and without realizing it, I gained weight.
Using 知らず知らずのうちに (shirazu shirazu no uchi ni) meaning 'unbeknownst to oneself'.
彼女はふくよかな体型で、それが魅力的だ。
She has a plump figure, and that's charming.
Using ふくよか (fukuyoka) as a more polite term.
運動習慣をつけないと、すぐに体が肥えてしまう。
If I don't develop an exercise habit, my body will quickly gain weight.
Using 〜ないと (nai to) for a conditional negative.
加齢とともに基礎代謝が落ち、若い頃のように食べても肥えるようになった。
As I age, my basal metabolism has decreased, and now I gain weight even when I eat like I did when I was young.
Using 〜とともに (to tomo ni) meaning 'along with' or 'as'.
長期間のステロイド治療の影響で、顔がむくみ、全体的に肥えた印象を与えている。
Due to the effects of long-term steroid treatment, my face is swollen, giving an overall impression of having gained weight.
Using 〜印象を与える (inshou o ataeru) meaning 'to give an impression'.
過度な食事制限は、リバウンドしてさらに肥える原因となることがある。
Excessive dietary restrictions can lead to rebound weight gain and cause one to gain even more weight.
Using 〜原因となる (gen'in to naru) meaning 'to become a cause of'.
彼は昔は細身だったが、最近は仕事のストレスで食生活が乱れ、ずいぶん肥えた。
He used to be slender, but recently, due to work stress, his eating habits have become disordered, and he has gained quite a bit of weight.
Using 〜ずいぶん (zuibun) to emphasize 'quite' or 'considerably'.
この地域では、高齢者が運動不足から肥満傾向にあるケースが多い。
In this region, there are many cases where the elderly tend towards obesity due to lack of exercise.
Using 〜傾向にある (keikou ni aru) meaning 'to be tending towards'.
体質的に太りにくいと思っていたが、食生活を変えたら予想以上に肥えた。
I thought I was constitutionally not prone to gaining weight, but after changing my diet, I gained more weight than expected.
Using 〜体質的に (taishitsu teki ni) meaning 'constitutionally' or 'by nature'.
子供の健やかな成長のためには、栄養バランスに気を配り、適度に肥えさせることが重要だ。
For a child's healthy growth, it is important to pay attention to nutritional balance and allow them to gain weight appropriately.
Using 〜させることが重要だ (sasete koto ga juuyou da) meaning 'it is important to make someone do something'.
彼女はモデルの仕事をするために、厳格な食事管理で体型を維持しているが、時々無性に食べたくなる衝動に駆られるという。
She maintains her figure through strict dietary management for her modeling work, but she says she occasionally feels an irresistible urge to eat.
Using 〜衝動に駆られる (shoudou ni karareru) meaning 'to be driven by an impulse'.
長年の不摂生が祟り、ついに健康診断で「肥満」と診断され、生活習慣の抜本的な見直しを迫られた。
Years of unhealthy living took their toll, and I was finally diagnosed with 'obesity' at a health check-up, forcing a fundamental review of my lifestyle habits.
Using 〜が祟り (ga tatarai) meaning 'to have adverse effects' or 'to take its toll'.
一部の栄養士は、低脂肪食よりも、適度な脂肪を含むバランスの取れた食事の方が、長期的に見て肥えにくいと考えている。
Some nutritionists believe that a balanced diet including moderate fat is less likely to lead to weight gain in the long run compared to low-fat diets.
Using 〜と考えている (to kangaete iru) meaning 'are thinking' or 'believe'.
現代社会では、食料の過剰供給と運動不足が相まって、国民全体の肥満率の上昇が顕著である。
In modern society, the oversupply of food combined with a lack of exercise has resulted in a significant rise in the obesity rate of the entire population.
Using 〜が相まって (ga aimatte) meaning 'combined with' or 'in conjunction with'.
彼はかつてはスリムな体型を維持していたが、役作りのために意図的に体重を増やし、見事に肥えた。
He once maintained a slender physique, but for a role, he intentionally gained weight and impressively got fat.
Using 〜役作りのために (yakuzukuri no tame ni) meaning 'for the sake of character preparation'.
成長期にある子供が、適度に肥えることは、健全な発育にとって不可欠な要素である。
For children in their growth period, gaining weight appropriately is an essential element for healthy development.
Using 〜にとって不可欠な要素である (ni totte fukaketsu na youso de aru) meaning 'is an indispensable element for'.
不健康な食生活を長年続けた結果、彼の体は徐々に肥え、健康を害するレベルに達してしまった。
As a result of continuing an unhealthy diet for many years, his body gradually gained weight and reached a level that harmed his health.
Using 〜徐々に (jojoni) meaning 'gradually'.
最近の若者の間では、スリムすぎる体型を良しとしない風潮もあり、適度な丸みのある体型を好む傾向が見られる。
Among recent young people, there is a trend that doesn't favor overly slim figures, and a tendency to prefer moderately rounded body shapes is observed.
Using 〜風潮もあり (fuuchou mo ari) meaning 'there is also a trend'.
彼は、自身の経験から、過度な運動や食事制限ではなく、持続可能なライフスタイルの変化こそが、長期的な体重管理の鍵であると力説している。
Based on his own experience, he strongly emphasizes that sustainable lifestyle changes, rather than excessive exercise or dietary restrictions, are the key to long-term weight management.
Using 〜と力説している (to rikisetsu shite iru) meaning 'is strongly arguing' or 'emphasizing'.
現代医学においては、単に体重が増加したという事実だけでなく、体脂肪率、筋肉量、内臓脂肪の分布といった多角的な指標に基づき、肥満の程度や健康リスクが評価される。
In modern medicine, the degree of obesity and health risks are evaluated not merely based on the fact of weight gain, but on multifaceted indicators such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, and visceral fat distribution.
Using 〜だけでなく〜といった〜に基づき (dake de naku ~ to itta ~ ni motozuki) meaning 'not only ~ but also ~ based on'.
食文化のグローバル化に伴い、高カロリー・高脂肪の食事が世界中で普及し、結果として多くの国で肥満が公衆衛生上の重大な課題となっている。
With the globalization of food culture, high-calorie, high-fat meals have become widespread worldwide, resulting in obesity becoming a significant public health issue in many countries.
Using 〜に伴い (ni tomonai) meaning 'along with' or 'accompanying'.
彼は、役柄のリアリティを追求するため、短期間で大幅に体重を増加させ、その変貌ぶりは業界内で大きな話題となった。
In pursuit of the role's realism, he significantly increased his weight in a short period, and his transformation became a major topic of discussion within the industry.
Using 〜変貌ぶり (henbouburi) meaning 'the state or manner of transformation'.
遺伝的要因と環境要因の相互作用が、個人の肥満しやすさにどのように影響するかについては、未だ解明されていない部分が多い。
Regarding how the interaction between genetic and environmental factors influences an individual's propensity to gain weight, there are still many aspects that remain unclarified.
Using 〜しやすさ (shi yasusa) meaning 'ease of doing something' or 'propensity'.
過度なダイエットによる急激な体重減少は、一時的な効果はあっても、長期的に見れば筋肉量の低下や代謝の悪化を招き、かえって肥えやすい体質へと転換させるリスクを孕んでいる。
While rapid weight loss due to extreme dieting may have temporary effects, in the long run, it risks causing a decrease in muscle mass and worsening metabolism, thereby converting the body into a constitution more prone to gaining weight.
Using 〜リスクを孕んでいる (risuku o harande iru) meaning 'carries the risk of'.
彼の作品における人物描写は、単なる体型の変化に留まらず、その内面的な葛藤や人生経験が、肥えた肉体を通して象徴的に表現されている。
The character depiction in his works is not limited to mere changes in body shape; his inner conflicts and life experiences are symbolically expressed through his corpulent physique.
Using 〜に留まらず (ni todomarazu) meaning 'not limited to'.
昨今の健康志向の高まりは、単に肥満を避けるという消極的な動機だけでなく、よりアクティブで健康的な生活様式を積極的に追求する姿勢へと人々の意識をシフトさせている。
The recent rise in health consciousness is shifting people's awareness not just from the passive motivation of avoiding obesity, but towards actively pursuing a more active and healthy lifestyle.
Using 〜という消極的な動機だけでなく〜へと意識をシフトさせている (to iu shoukkyuu teki na douki dake de naku ~ e to ishiki o shifuto sasete iru) meaning 'not only from the passive motivation of ~ but is also shifting consciousness towards ~'.
一部の文化では、豊満な体型が富や健康、豊穣の象徴と見なされ、必ずしも肥満が否定的に捉えられるわけではない。
In some cultures, a voluptuous physique is regarded as a symbol of wealth, health, and fertility, and obesity is not necessarily perceived negatively.
Using 〜と見なされ (to minasare) meaning 'is regarded as' or 'is considered'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I gained weight.
お祭りの後、少し肥えました。
— I've been gaining weight / I'm getting fat.
最近、運動不足で肥えてきた気がする。
— So as not to gain weight / To avoid gaining weight.
健康のために、肥えないように食事に気をつけています。
— Prone to gaining weight / Easy to gain weight.
私は体質的に肥えやすいんです。
— Did you gain weight?
あれ?少し肥えた?
— The cause of gaining weight.
ストレスが肥える原因になることもあるそうです。
— Food that makes you gain weight.
このお菓子はカロリーが高いから、肥える食べ物だね。
— To gain weight.
運動をやめたら、すぐに肥えるよ。
— To gain weight.
年齢とともに、自然と肥えるものだ。
— To gain weight.
食べ過ぎると、当然肥える。
Often Confused With
増える means 'to increase' in quantity. While weight increases, 肥える is specifically for body fat gain. You would say '体重が増えた' (body weight increased) but '体が肥えた' (body gained fat/got fat).
成長する means 'to grow' or 'to mature'. It's used for children growing taller or plants growing. 肥える is about accumulating fat, not overall growth.
太る is a very close synonym for 肥える and is often used interchangeably. However, 肥える can sometimes imply a more gradual accumulation or a slightly more descriptive nuance than the direct 'to get fat' of 太る.
Idioms & Expressions
— To become greedy or avaricious; to become corrupt due to wealth. This idiom uses the physical act of gaining weight in the belly to metaphorically represent an increase in greed or a corrupted mindset, often linked to financial gain.
彼は成功してからは、腹が肥えてしまったようだ。以前はもっと謙虚だったのに。
Figurative/Negative— A fat pig. This is a derogatory term used to insult someone who is very overweight, implying they are lazy, gluttonous, and unattractive, much like a fattened pig.
彼は自分のことを「肥った豚」と自嘲していたが、周りはそう思っていなかった。
Derogatory/Informal— A mouth that has become accustomed to rich or luxurious food; a palate that has become spoiled by fine dining. It implies someone who is used to expensive or rich tastes and might be difficult to please with simpler food.
高級レストランばかり行っていると、肥えた口になってしまうよ。
Figurative/Descriptive— Rich soil; fertile ground. This is a literal usage referring to soil that is rich in nutrients and conducive to plant growth. It's not directly related to gaining body weight but uses the concept of 'fattening' in an agricultural context.
この畑は肥えた土壌なので、作物がよく育つ。
Literal/Agricultural— Fertile seed; a good starting point. This is a metaphorical usage implying something that has the potential for great growth or success due to favorable initial conditions.
彼のアイデアは肥えた種であり、将来大きな成功を収めるだろう。
Metaphorical/Positive— A substantial or rich story; a story filled with detail and substance. Similar to '肥えた口', it implies something that is satisfying and full of content.
昨晩聞いた話は、とても肥えた話で面白かった。
Figurative/Descriptive— A large, protruding belly, often associated with overeating or a sedentary lifestyle. It's a descriptive term for a 'pot belly'.
彼はビールを飲みすぎて、立派な肥えた腹になってしまった。
Descriptive/Informal— Fat capital; abundant financial resources. This is an economic term referring to a large amount of available capital or investment funds.
そのプロジェクトには肥えた資本が必要とされるだろう。
Economic/Formal— Extensive knowledge; profound understanding. This metaphorically suggests knowledge that is 'rich' or 'full', implying depth and breadth.
彼は長年の研究により、肥えた知識を蓄えている。
Metaphorical/Positive— An era of prosperity; a time of abundance. This refers to a period characterized by economic wealth and plentiful resources.
戦後の日本は、高度経済成長という肥えた時代を経験した。
Figurative/HistoricalEasily Confused
Both verbs mean 'to gain weight' or 'to get fat' and are very commonly used in everyday conversation.
While largely interchangeable, 太る is often considered more direct and perhaps slightly cruder. 肥える can sometimes imply a more gradual or noticeable accumulation of fat, or be used in slightly more descriptive contexts. For learners, mastering both is beneficial, but 太る might be slightly more frequent in casual speech.
最近、太ってしまって、着る服がなくなりました。(Saikin, futotte shimatte, kiru fuku ga nakunarimashita.) vs. 最近、運動不足で少し肥えてきた気がします。(Saikin, undou busoku de sukoshi koete kita ki ga shimasu.)
Both relate to gaining excessive weight, and 肥える uses the same kanji as 肥満.
肥満 is a noun meaning 'obesity' and is typically used in medical or formal contexts to describe a condition of being overweight. 肥える is a verb meaning 'to gain weight' or 'to get fat', describing the process. You can 肥える (gain weight) and eventually become 肥満 (obese).
食べ過ぎて肥えた結果、肥満と診断された。(Tabesugite koeta kekka, himan to shindan sareta.) - As a result of overeating and gaining weight, I was diagnosed with obesity.
Weight 'increases', so learners might think of using 増える.
増える is a general verb meaning 'to increase' and applies to quantities, numbers, or abstract things. 肥える specifically refers to the physical accumulation of body fat and an increase in body mass. You say '体重が増える' (weight increases) but '体が肥える' (body gets fat).
体重は増えたが、筋肉も増えたので、必ずしも肥えたわけではない。(Taijuu wa fueta ga, kinniku mo fueta node, kanarazushimo koeta wake de wa nai.) - My weight increased, but my muscle also increased, so it's not necessarily that I got fat.
Both relate to a larger body size.
豊満 is an adjective or noun often used to describe a 'plump', 'full-figured', or 'voluptuous' body shape, and it often carries a positive or appreciative connotation, implying curves and healthy fullness. 肥える is a verb simply meaning 'to gain weight' or 'get fat', without inherent positive or negative judgment, though often used in contexts implying a slight negative or humorous observation.
彼女は豊満な体型で魅力的だ。(Kanojo wa houman na taikei de miryokuteki da.) - She is attractive with her plump figure. vs. 食べ過ぎて肥えた。(Tabesugite koeta.) - I gained weight from overeating.
It's the direct opposite action related to body weight.
痩せる means 'to lose weight' or 'to become thin'. It is the antonym of 肥える. While they describe opposite processes, they are related concepts in discussions about body weight management.
運動を頑張って痩せたいです。(Undou o ganbatte yasetai desu.) - I want to work hard at exercising and lose weight. (opposite of 肥える).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + は + Reason + で、肥えました。
私は、食べ過ぎで肥えました。
Subject + は + Reason + で、肥えています。
彼は、運動不足で肥えています。
~ないように肥える
肥えないように気をつけています。
~て、肥える
たくさん食べて、肥えた。
肥えやすい
私は肥えやすい体質です。
~につれて肥える
年を取るにつれて肥えてきた。
~せいで肥える
ストレスのせいで肥えてしまった。
~ことをきっかけに肥える
妊娠をきっかけに肥えた。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common
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Using 増える (fueru) instead of 肥える (koeru) for body fat gain.
→
体が肥えた (karada ga koeta) / 体重が増えた (taijuu ga fueta)
増える means 'to increase' in general quantity. 肥える specifically refers to gaining body fat. While 'weight increased' (体重が増えた) is correct, saying 'my body increased' (体が...) would be unnatural; you'd say 'my body got fat' (体が肥えた).
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Incorrect conjugation of 肥える (e.g., treating it as a Group 2 verb).
→
肥えました (koemashita) - past polite, 肥えた (koeta) - past plain
肥える is a Group 1 verb. Common errors include saying 肥えった (koetta) instead of 肥えた. Always remember its conjugation pattern.
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Using 肥える inappropriately for others in formal settings.
→
Use neutral or polite phrasing like 体型が変わりましたね (taikei ga kawarimashita ne - your body shape has changed) or 少しふくよかになりましたね (sukoshi fukuyoka ni narimashita ne - you've become a little plumper).
Directly telling someone they gained weight using 肥える can sound rude or judgmental, similar to calling someone 'fat' in English. Context and relationship are crucial.
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Confusing the literal meaning with figurative uses.
→
Focus on the primary meaning of gaining body fat first.
While 肥える can have figurative meanings (e.g., fertile soil, rich story), these are less common. Learners should prioritize mastering the literal meaning of gaining weight before exploring figurative applications.
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Using 肥える when referring to muscle gain.
→
筋肉がついた (kinniku ga tsuita - gained muscle) / 体が引き締まった (karada ga hikishimatta - body became toned)
肥える specifically refers to gaining fat. If someone is gaining weight due to muscle development, 肥える is not the appropriate verb. Use terms related to muscle gain or toning instead.
Tips
Conjugation Practice
Remember that 肥える is a Group 1 verb. Practice its past tense (肥えた - koeta), present progressive (肥えている - koete iru), and negative forms (肥えない - koenai) to use it accurately in sentences.
Synonym Awareness
Familiarize yourself with 太る (futōru), the most common synonym. Understanding the subtle differences or preferences in usage between 肥える and 太る will help you sound more natural.
Visual Mnemonics
Connect the kanji 肥 (meaning 'fat' or 'fertile') with the sound 'koeru'. Imagine a person with a large belly, thinking 'my core is growing' (koeru). This visual link can help reinforce the meaning.
Cultural Nuances
Be aware that direct comments about weight can be sensitive. While 肥える is common, using it for others requires careful consideration of your relationship and the context. Polite alternatives exist for more delicate conversations.
Stress and Sound
The stress in 肥える (koeru) falls on the second syllable: ko-E-ru. Pay attention to the 'e' sound, which is shorter and more open than in English 'say', and the light tap of the 'r' in 'ru'.
Use in Self-Talk
A great way to practice is to use 肥える when talking about your own eating habits or weight changes, especially after holidays or indulging in delicious food. For example, 'Oh no, I think I 肥えました after that feast!'
Opposite Actions
Learn the antonym 痩せる (yaseru - to lose weight) alongside 肥える. This helps create a complete understanding of the spectrum of body weight changes.
Beyond the Literal
While less common, 肥える can sometimes be used figuratively for things like 'rich soil' (肥えた土壌) or 'abundant resources'. However, focus on the primary meaning of gaining body fat first.
Expanding Vocabulary
Learn related nouns like 肥満 (himan - obesity) and verbs like 肥やす (koyasu - to make fat, to fertilize) to deepen your understanding of the concept and its variations.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a person eating a big, 'fat' (肥 - hi) meal and saying, 'Oh, I'm going to 'koeru' (肥える) after this!' The kanji looks like a person with a big belly, and the sound 'koeru' sounds like 'core-you', as in the core of your body getting bigger.
Visual Association
Picture a plump, happy pig rolling in mud. The pig is 'fat' (肥 - hi), and it's 'getting bigger' (肥える - koeru). You can also imagine a growing plant in 'fertile' (肥 - hi) soil, symbolizing growth and fullness.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing your own experiences or hypothetical situations where someone might gain weight. For example, imagine a character who loves to eat during a festival. Use 肥える in your sentences to describe their weight gain.
Word Origin
The kanji 肥 itself means 'fat', 'fertile', or 'rich'. The verb 肥える is derived from this kanji, literally meaning to become 'fat' or 'fertile'.
Original meaning: The kanji 肥 originally depicted a person with a large belly, symbolizing abundance and fertility. This visual origin directly relates to the meaning of becoming 'fat' or 'plump'.
Japonic (Japanese)Cultural Context
While 肥える itself is not inherently offensive, using it to describe someone else without a close relationship might be considered impolite or judgmental. It's generally safer to use it when referring to oneself or in very casual, familiar conversations. Polite alternatives like ふくよかになる (fukuyoka ni naru - to become plump) exist for more delicate situations.
In English-speaking cultures, discussing weight can also be sensitive, but terms like 'gain weight' or 'put on weight' are very common and generally neutral. The Japanese term 肥える carries a similar neutrality in casual contexts but can be slightly more descriptive of the physical accumulation of fat.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
After holidays or special occasions
- お正月は食べ過ぎて肥えました。
- 年末年始は太りやすいですね。
- ごちそう続きで、少し体が大きくなった気がします。
Discussing diet and exercise
- 肥えないように気をつけています。
- 運動不足で肥えてきたので、ジムに通い始めました。
- 健康のために、バランスの取れた食事を心がけています。
Talking about personal appearance changes
- 最近、服がきつくなった。
- あれ?少し肥えた?
- 昔は細かったのに、今はずいぶん変わったね。
Describing pets or animals
- うちの猫はよく寝ているので、肥えたね。
- この犬は餌をたくさん食べるから、すぐに肥えるんだ。
- ハムスターが丸くなって、肥えたみたい。
General remarks about aging
- 年を取ると、自然と肥えるものらしい。
- 代謝が落ちて、昔より肥えやすくなった。
- 健康診断で、もう少し体重を減らすように言われた。
Conversation Starters
"最近、何か美味しいものを食べましたか?食べ過ぎて肥えたなんてことはありましたか?"
"もし体重が増えたら、どうしますか?ダイエットしますか、それとも気にしませんか?"
"お正月休みはどうでしたか?たくさん食べましたか?肥えたかもしれませんね!"
"健康のために、どんなことに気をつけていますか?運動はしていますか?"
"昔と比べて、体型に変化はありましたか?肥えた、あるいは痩せたということは?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you gained weight. What caused it, and how did you feel about it? Use the verb 肥える in your description.
Imagine you are going on a vacation known for its delicious food. How would you plan to enjoy the food while trying not to gain too much weight? Use phrases related to 肥える.
Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there any habits that might lead to weight gain? How could you change them? Use the verb 肥える in your thoughts.
Write about a pet or animal you know that has gained weight. Describe the reasons and the changes you observed. Use 肥える.
Consider the cultural views on body weight in Japan versus your own culture. How does the usage of words like 肥える compare to English terms like 'gain weight' or 'get fat'?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions肥える itself is a neutral verb. Its politeness depends on the context and conjugation. In casual conversation, like saying 'I gained weight' (肥えました - koemashita), it's perfectly acceptable among friends. However, directly telling someone else 'You gained weight' (肥えたね - koeta ne) can be impolite unless you have a very close relationship. For more delicate situations, softer terms like ふくよかになる (fukuyoka ni naru - to become plump) might be preferred.
Both mean 'to gain weight' or 'to get fat' and are often used interchangeably. 太る is generally more common and direct in casual speech. 肥える can sometimes imply a more gradual accumulation of fat or be used in slightly more descriptive contexts. For learners, understanding both is important, but 太る might be encountered slightly more often in everyday chat.
Yes, absolutely. It's very common to use 肥える when talking about pets or farm animals that have become plump or well-fed. For example, 'うちの猫はよく食べているので、肥えたね。(Uchi no neko wa yoku tabete iru node, koeta ne.)' which means 'My cat eats a lot, so it's gotten fat, hasn't it?'
In casual conversation, especially when referring to oneself, 肥える is often used humorously or with mild self-deprecation. However, if used to describe someone else without a close relationship, it can sound blunt or judgmental, similar to calling someone 'fat' in English. The degree of negativity depends heavily on the context and the relationship between the speakers.
You can say: '肥えないように気をつけています。(Koenai you ni ki o tsukete imasu.)' or '肥えないように努力しています。(Koenai you ni doryoku shite imasu.)'. The phrase 肥えないように (koenai you ni) means 'so as not to gain weight'.
肥える is a verb meaning 'to gain weight' or 'to get fat'. It describes the action or process. 肥満 is a noun meaning 'obesity'. It refers to the state or condition of being excessively overweight. You 肥える (gain weight), and if it becomes excessive, you might be diagnosed with 肥満 (obesity).
Yes, but it's less common than its literal meaning. Figuratively, it can sometimes mean 'to become rich' or 'prosperous', like a 'fattened' bank account. However, this usage is rare and learners should focus on the primary meaning of gaining body fat.
Instead of directly saying someone gained weight, you could use phrases like '少しふくよかになりましたね。(Sukoshi fukuyoka ni narimashita ne.)' which means 'You've become a little plumper, haven't you?', or '体型が変わりましたね。(Taikei ga kawarimashita ne.)' meaning 'Your body shape has changed, hasn't it?'
In formal writing, especially in medical or scientific contexts, more precise terms like 体重が増加する (taijuu ga zouka suru - body weight increases) or 肥満 (himan - obesity) are preferred. 肥える might appear in less formal articles or essays discussing lifestyle.
Common reasons include 食べ過ぎ (tabesugi - overeating), 運動不足 (undou busoku - lack of exercise), ストレス (sutoresu - stress), and 加齢 (karei - aging), which causes metabolism to slow down.
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Summary
The verb 肥える (koeru) is used to describe the physical process of gaining weight or becoming fat, typically due to overeating or lack of exercise. It's a common term in everyday Japanese conversations, often used humorously or self-deprecatingly when discussing personal weight changes after periods of indulgence or lifestyle shifts. While similar to 太る (futōru), 肥える can sometimes imply a more gradual accumulation of fat.
- 肥える (koeru) means to gain weight or get fat.
- It's used for physical accumulation of body fat.
- Common in casual talk about food, holidays, and lifestyle.
- Alternatives include 太る (futōru) and ふくよかになる (fukuyoka ni naru).
Context is Key
While 肥える means 'to gain weight', its appropriateness depends on the situation. Use it casually when talking about yourself or close friends, especially after holidays or indulgent meals. Avoid using it to describe others in formal settings or if you don't know them well.
Conjugation Practice
Remember that 肥える is a Group 1 verb. Practice its past tense (肥えた - koeta), present progressive (肥えている - koete iru), and negative forms (肥えない - koenai) to use it accurately in sentences.
Synonym Awareness
Familiarize yourself with 太る (futōru), the most common synonym. Understanding the subtle differences or preferences in usage between 肥える and 太る will help you sound more natural.
Visual Mnemonics
Connect the kanji 肥 (meaning 'fat' or 'fertile') with the sound 'koeru'. Imagine a person with a large belly, thinking 'my core is growing' (koeru). This visual link can help reinforce the meaning.
Example
最近、運動不足で体が肥えてきた。
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