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油っこい

B1 adjective 11 min read

油っこい

aburakkoi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 油っこい in 30 Seconds

Explanation 油っこい in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'aburakkoi' as a simple way to describe food that has a lot of oil, like French fries or fried chicken. In English, we say 'greasy.' It is an 'i-adjective,' which means it ends in the 'i' sound. You can use it at the end of a sentence by adding 'desu' to be polite: 'Kore wa aburakkoi desu' (This is greasy). It is a very useful word when you are eating out in Japan because many popular foods like tempura are fried. Even at this early stage, try to remember that it is usually a little bit negative—it means there is *too much* oil. If you like the oil, you might just say 'oishii' (delicious) instead! Practice saying it when you see shiny, fried food.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'aburakkoi' to express your preferences and feelings about food. You can use it to modify nouns directly, like 'aburakkoi ryouri' (greasy cooking). You will also learn the negative form: 'aburakkonai' (not greasy). This is helpful when you want to ask for something healthier. For example, 'Aburakkonai mono ga suki desu' (I like things that aren't greasy). You might also hear this word in basic conversations about health, such as 'Aburakkoi mono wa karada ni yoku nai' (Greasy things are not good for the body). Focus on using the adjective to describe specific dishes you encounter in daily life, like ramen or tonkatsu.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of the suffix '-kkoi.' This suffix often implies an excessive or unpleasant quality. This distinguishes 'aburakkoi' from 'aburappoi' (oily-looking). As a B1 learner, you can use 'aburakkoi' to describe not just the food itself, but the physical sensation it causes, like 'i-mote' (heavy stomach/heartburn). You should also be able to use adverbs like 'chotto' (a bit) or 'yokei ni' (extra/excessively) to refine your descriptions. For example, 'Sameru to yokei ni aburakkoku naru' (It becomes extra greasy when it gets cold). You are also ready to understand that while 'aburakkoi' is usually negative, it is a standard descriptive term in Japanese gourmet reporting.

At the B2 level, you can begin to explore the metaphorical uses of 'aburakkoi.' It can describe a person's face (very bold, thick, or oily features) or their personality (overbearing, pushy, or 'slick'). You should be able to distinguish 'aburakkoi' from synonyms like 'kotteri' (rich/heavy - often positive) and 'gito-gito' (disgustingly greasy). A B2 learner should be comfortable using the word in social settings, such as politely declining a heavy dish by saying 'Saikin aburakkoi mono o hikaete iru node...' (Since I've been refraining from greasy things lately...). You should also understand its role in cultural discussions about the 'Westernization' of the Japanese diet and the resulting health issues.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep grasp of the linguistic structure and the sensory range of 'aburakkoi.' You can analyze how the '-kkoi' suffix functions across other adjectives like 'shitsukoi' (persistent) or 'yasappoi' (cheap-looking) to understand the underlying 'excessive' nuance. You should be able to use 'aburakkoi' in nuanced literary or descriptive writing to evoke a specific atmosphere—perhaps a humid, 'greasy' city street or a character with an overbearing, 'oily' charisma. Furthermore, you should be able to discuss the nuances of food texture using a wide range of related terms (onomatopoeia like 'beta-beta', 'gito-gito') and explain the subtle differences in meaning to lower-level learners.

At the C2 level, 'aburakkoi' is part of a sophisticated vocabulary that allows for precise aesthetic and cultural critique. You might use it to discuss the evolution of 'Washoku' (traditional Japanese cuisine) versus 'Yoshoku' (Western-influenced Japanese food) and how the perception of 'oiliness' has shifted over generations. You can master the subtle social cues involved in using the word—knowing exactly when it sounds like a healthy observation versus an insult to a cook. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the ability to use the word metaphorically in complex psychological descriptions or when critiquing art and performance that feels 'overly thick' or 'too heavy' (aburakkoi engeki).

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

油っこい in 30 Seconds

Aburakkoi is a Japanese i-adjective meaning 'greasy' or 'oily,' used primarily to describe heavy, fat-rich foods like ramen or fried dishes.
The word often carries a negative nuance, suggesting that the amount of oil is excessive or potentially difficult to digest.
It can be used metaphorically to describe a person's pushy personality or a face with very thick, bold features.
In daily life, it's a key word for discussing health, diet, and restaurant preferences, contrasting with 'assari' (light) or 'sappari' (refreshing).

The Japanese adjective 油っこい (aburakkoi) is a quintessential term used to describe something that is excessively oily, greasy, or heavy with fat. While the root word abura (油) simply means oil, the suffix -kkoi adds a specific nuance of 'too much' or 'unpleasantly persistent.' In Japanese culinary culture, where balance and 'lightness' (assari) are often prized, calling a dish aburakkoi usually carries a slightly negative or cautionary tone, suggesting that the food might be difficult to digest or overwhelming for the palate. However, it is also used descriptively in the context of 'soul food' like ramen or fried meats where a certain level of richness is expected, even if it feels 'heavy' afterwards.

Literal Meaning: Oil-ish or Oil-heavy; derived from 'abura' (oil) and the suffix '-kkoi' indicating a strong, often excessive quality.
Common Usage: Most frequently applied to fried foods like tempura, karaage, and tonkatsu, or rich soups like tonkotsu ramen.
Metaphorical Usage: Occasionally used to describe a person's personality or appearance—someone who is overly persistent, 'thick,' or has a greasy complexion.

この天ぷらは少し油っこいですね。(Kono tempura wa sukoshi aburakkoi desu ne.)
This tempura is a bit greasy, isn't it?

Linguistically, the suffix -kkoi is fascinating. It appears in words like shitsukoi (persistent/stubborn) and kodomokkoi (childish). It implies that the quality permeates the object. When you say something is aburakkoi, you aren't just saying there is oil on it; you are saying the oil defines the experience of eating it. This is why you wouldn't use it for a healthy salad with a light vinaigrette, even though there is oil present. It is reserved for when the oil is the dominant, and perhaps slightly burdensome, feature.

最近、油っこいものを食べると胃もたれする。(Saikin, aburakkoi mono o taberu to imotare suru.)
Lately, I get heartburn whenever I eat greasy food.

In social settings, mentioning that food is aburakkoi can be a way to express health consciousness. In Japan, there is a strong cultural emphasis on 'hara-hachibu' (eating until 80% full) and maintaining a clean diet. Therefore, aburakkoi is often a 'warning' word used by parents to children or between friends looking at a menu. It's the opposite of 'assari' (light/refreshing), which is usually the desired state for daily meals.

彼は油っこい顔立ちをしている。(Kare wa aburakkoi kaodachi o shite iru.)
He has a 'greasy' (very bold/distinct/oily) facial features.

Interestingly, the word can also describe a person’s face or personality. An 'aburakkoi' face isn't necessarily covered in literal oil; it refers to features that are very strong, thick, or perhaps overly masculine in a way that feels 'heavy' to look at. Similarly, an 'aburakkoi' personality is one that is too pushy or persistent, similar to the English 'slick' or 'slimy' but with more emphasis on the 'heavy' and 'suffocating' nature of the interaction.

そんなに油っこい話はもういいよ。(Sonna ni aburakkoi hanashi wa mou ii yo.)
I've had enough of such 'greasy' (overly dramatic/heavy) stories.

Finally, when exploring the nuance of aburakkoi, it is helpful to compare it to aburappoi. While aburappoi means 'oily-ish' (looking like it has oil), aburakkoi implies the oil is deeply integrated into the substance. You might say a surface is aburappoi if it's just a bit slick, but a deep-fried doughnut that has soaked up too much lard is definitely aburakkoi. Understanding this distinction helps in selecting the right level of intensity when describing textures in Japanese.

Using 油っこい (aburakkoi) correctly requires understanding its role as an i-adjective. It can directly modify nouns or function as a predicate. Because it often carries a negative connotation (too much oil), it is frequently used with adverbs of degree like sukoshi (a little), chotto (a bit), or totemo (very). In this section, we will look at how to build sentences that range from simple culinary observations to more complex health-related or metaphorical descriptions.

Direct Modification: [Aburakkoi] + [Noun]. Example: 油っこい料理 (Aburakkoi ryouri - Greasy cooking).
Predicative Use: [Noun] wa [Aburakkoi] desu. Example: この肉は油っこい。(Kono niku wa aburakkoi - This meat is greasy).

昼ご飯に油っこいものを食べすぎて、午後はずっと眠かった。(Hirugohan ni aburakkoi mono o tabesugite, gogo wa zutto nemukatta.)
I ate too much greasy food for lunch, so I was sleepy all afternoon.

When talking about dietary habits, aburakkoi is a key vocabulary word. Health-conscious individuals often use it to explain why they are avoiding certain foods. In a restaurant, if you are asking for a recommendation that isn't too heavy, you might say, 'Aburakkonai mono wa arimasu ka?' (Is there anything that isn't greasy?). This highlights the adjective's flexibility in its negative form.

健康のために、油っこい食事は控えるようにしています。(Kenkou no tame ni, aburakkoi shokuji wa hikaeru you ni shite imasu.)
For the sake of my health, I am trying to refrain from greasy meals.

Metaphorical sentences often involve the word shaberikata (way of speaking) or taido (attitude). If someone's manner is 'oily,' it means they are overly flattering or insincere in a way that feels heavy. While 'shitsukoi' (persistent) is more common for behavior, 'aburakkoi' adds a flavor of 'unpleasant richness' to the description.

彼の話し方は少し油っこいから、長時間聞くのは疲れる。(Kare no hanashikata wa sukoshi aburakkoi kara, choujikan kiku no wa tsukareru.)
His way of talking is a bit 'greasy,' so it's tiring to listen to him for a long time.

Finally, let's look at the comparative and superlative-like expressions. Japanese doesn't have a direct 'greasier' suffix like English, so we use motto (more) or ichiban (most). If you are comparing two ramen shops, you might say, 'Kocchi no mise no hou ga aburakkoi' (This shop's [ramen] is greasier). This is essential for navigating the complex world of Japanese street food where oil levels are a major point of discussion.

この唐揚げ、冷めると余計に油っこく感じるね。(Kono karaage, sameru to yokei ni aburakkoku kanjiru ne.)
This fried chicken feels even greasier once it gets cold, doesn't it?

In summary, whether you are describing a plate of glistening gyoza, a heavy sauce, or a person's overbearing personality, aburakkoi is your go-to word. Just remember to conjugate it properly depending on whether you are describing a state, modifying a noun, or describing a change over time.

You will encounter 油っこい (aburakkoi) in a variety of real-life settings in Japan, from casual dining to medical check-ups. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday sensory experience and health awareness. If you live in Japan, you'll hear it most often in the context of 'Gourmet' (gurume) culture, which is a national obsession. TV shows featuring celebrities eating at local restaurants will almost certainly use this word to describe rich, indulgent dishes.

Ramen Shops: Customers discussing the 'seabura' (pork back fat) levels often use 'aburakkoi' to describe a particularly heavy broth.
Health Clinics: Doctors and dieticians use it when advising patients on how to manage cholesterol or stomach issues.
TV Cooking Shows: Hosts might warn viewers to drain the oil well so the dish doesn't become 'aburakkoi'.

「このラーメン、結構油っこいけど大丈夫？」「うん、たまにはこういうのもいいよね。」
'This ramen is quite greasy, you okay with that?' 'Yeah, once in a while this kind of thing is good.'

In family settings, you might hear a mother telling her children to eat more vegetables because the main dish is aburakkoi. It serves as a linguistic counterbalance to 'healthy'. If a dish is poorly prepared—for example, if the oil temperature was too low during frying—the result is described as aburakkoi. In this case, it's a direct criticism of the cooking technique.

お医者さんに、油っこい料理は避けるように言われました。(Oishasan ni, aburakkoi ryouri wa sakeru you ni iwaremashita.)
The doctor told me to avoid greasy dishes.

In the workplace, aburakkoi might come up during lunch breaks or 'nomikai' (drinking parties). When ordering shared plates (osozai), someone might say 'Aburakkoi no wa yamete okou' (Let's skip the greasy stuff) to be considerate of older colleagues who might prefer lighter options. This shows how the word is used to navigate social harmony and group health.

昨日の夜、油っこい焼肉を食べたから、今日は胃が重い。(Kinou no yoru, aburakkoi yakiniku o tabeta kara, kyou wa i ga omoi.)
I ate greasy yakiniku last night, so my stomach feels heavy today.

Lastly, you might hear it in beauty or skincare contexts. While 'shishitsu' (sebum/oil) is the technical term, someone might complain that their skin feels aburakkoi after a long day in the heat. It vividly describes that sticky, uncomfortable feeling of excess oil on the surface of the skin.

Learners of Japanese often confuse 油っこい (aburakkoi) with similar-sounding or related terms. The most common pitfall is the distinction between aburakkoi and aburappoi. While they both relate to oil, their usage and intensity differ. Another frequent error is using aburakkoi when shitsukoi (persistent/cloying) would be more appropriate for taste or behavior.

Aburakkoi vs. Aburappoi: 'Aburakkoi' means something is saturated with oil. 'Aburappoi' means something has the appearance or a slight quality of oil. Use 'aburakkoi' for food that makes you feel full/heavy.
Aburakkoi vs. Shitsukoi: 'Shitsukoi' is for a taste that lingers unpleasantly (like too much sugar or a heavy sauce) or a person who won't stop talking. 'Aburakkoi' is specifically about the fat/oil content.

❌ このスープは油っこい味が長続きする。
✅ このスープはしつこい味がする。
Correction: Use 'shitsukoi' for a flavor that 'clings' or lingers unpleasantly.

Another mistake is using aburakkoi for healthy fats. You wouldn't typically call a high-quality avocado aburakkoi, even though it is high in fat. Instead, you would use kurimi (creamy) or toro-keru (melting). Aburakkoi is almost always reserved for 'bad' or 'heavy' grease, like that from frying or low-quality animal fats.

❌ 彼は油っこい人だ。(Kare wa aburakkoi hito da.)
✅ 彼はしつこい人だ。(Kare wa shitsukoi hito da.)
Note: While 'aburakkoi' can describe a person, 'shitsukoi' is the standard way to say someone is 'annoyingly persistent.'

Finally, watch out for the kanji. While abura can be written as 油 (plant oil) or 脂 (animal fat), the adjective aburakkoi is most commonly written with 油 in general contexts, but 脂っこい is frequently used when specifically referring to meat or animal products. Using the wrong kanji isn't a fatal error, but using 脂っこい for a greasy salad dressing would look slightly strange to a native speaker.

このポテトチップスは油っこい。(Kono poteto chippusu wa aburakkoi.)
Correct: Use 油 for vegetable-oil based products like potato chips.

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: Is the oiliness excessive? Is it animal fat or vegetable oil? Am I describing the texture or the lingering taste? By answering these, you'll choose the correct word every time.

Japanese is rich in onomatopoeia and specific adjectives for textures. While 油っこい (aburakkoi) is the standard adjective for 'greasy,' there are several alternatives that provide more color or a different nuance. Understanding these will help you describe food and sensations with much greater precision.

ギトギト (Gito-gito): An onomatopoeic word for something dripping with oil or extremely greasy. It sounds more visceral and negative than 'aburakkoi'.
こってり (Kotteri): Describes a rich, thick, and heavy flavor. Unlike 'aburakkoi', 'kotteri' is often used as a compliment for ramen or stews.
ベタベタ (Beta-beta): Means 'sticky'. If fried food has sat out too long and the oil has made it sticky rather than crispy, this is the word to use.

このラーメンのスープはこってりしていて美味しい。(Kono ramen no suupu wa kotteri shite ite oishii.)
This ramen soup is rich and delicious. (Positive nuance)

When you want to express the opposite of aburakkoi, you have two main choices: assari and sappari. Assari refers to a simple, light flavor (like a clear salt-based soup). Sappari refers to a refreshing feeling, often achieved with acidity or a clean finish (like a salad with lemon dressing).

暑い日はさっぱりしたものが食べたい。(Atsui hi wa sappari shita mono ga tabetai.)
On hot days, I want to eat something refreshing.

For a more formal or medical context, you might use shishitsu no ooi (high in lipids/fats). This is the 'scientific' way to say something is greasy. Conversely, teishishitsu (low fat) is used on food packaging. These terms are less about the 'feeling' of the oil and more about the nutritional content.

揚げたてのカツは美味しいが、時間が経つとギトギトになる。(Agetate no katsu wa oishii ga, jikan ga tatsu to gito-gito ni naru.)
Freshly fried cutlets are delicious, but after some time, they become dripping with grease.

In summary, choose aburakkoi for general 'greasiness,' gito-gito for 'extreme/gross grease,' kotteri for 'delicious richness,' and assari/sappari for 'lightness.' Having this spectrum of words allows you to navigate Japanese food culture like a pro.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-kkoi' is related to 'ko' (thick/dense). You can see this in words like 'shitsukoi'. It's like saying something is 'thick with oil.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.bu.ɾak.ko.i/

US /ɑ.bu.ɾɑk.koʊ.i/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'aburakkoi', the pitch usually starts low on 'a', rises on 'bu', and stays relatively high until the 'i'.

Rhymes With

suppai (sour) shoppai (salty) amakkai (sweet-ish) shitsukoi (persistent) yasappoi (cheap-looking) kodomokkoi (childish) herikutskkoi (argumentative) darui (sluggish)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (keep it as a tap).
Missing the double 'k' (sokuon) which makes it sound like 'aburakoi'.
Pronouncing the final 'i' too weakly; it is a full vowel.
Confusing the pitch accent with English-style stress.
Not separating the syllables clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 油 is common, and the hiragana suffix is easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 3/5

Writing 油 and the okurigana っこい is straightforward for intermediate learners.

Speaking 4/5

The double 'k' (sokuon) requires careful pronunciation to sound natural.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in food conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

油 (Oil) 肉 (Meat) 美味しい (Delicious) 好き (Like) 料理 (Cooking)

Learn Next

しつこい (Persistent) あっさり (Light) さっぱり (Refreshing) 胃もたれ (Heartburn) 揚げ物 (Fried food)

Advanced

脂質 (Lipids) 飽和脂肪酸 (Saturated fatty acids) 粘性 (Viscosity) 胸焼け (Heartburn) 滋味深い (Deeply flavorful)

Grammar to Know

I-Adjective Conjugation

油っこい → 油っこくない (Negative) → 油っこかった (Past) → 油っこくなかった (Past Negative)

Adverbial Form (-ku)

油っこく感じる (To feel greasy)

Te-form for Reason

油っこくて、全部食べられなかった。(Because it was greasy, I couldn't eat it all.)

Noun Modification

油っこい料理 (Greasy cooking)

Excessive Suffix (-sugiru)

油っこすぎる (Too greasy)

Examples by Level

このラーメンは油っこいですね。

This ramen is greasy, isn't it?

Uses 'desu ne' to seek agreement.

油っこい食べ物は好きじゃないです。

I don't like greasy food.

Modifies the noun 'tabemono' (food).

これは少し油っこいです。

This is a little greasy.

Uses 'sukoshi' (a little) as an adverb.

油っこい肉ですね。

It's greasy meat, isn't it?

Directly modifies 'niku' (meat).

ポテトは油っこいですか？

Are the fries greasy?

Question form.

あまり油っこくないです。

It's not very greasy.

Negative form: aburakkonai.

油っこい料理は安いです。

Greasy cooking is cheap.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

天ぷらは油っこい。でも美味しい。

Tempura is greasy. But delicious.

Informal ending, followed by 'demo' (but).

油っこいものを食べるとお腹が痛くなります。

When I eat greasy things, my stomach hurts.

Uses the conditional 'to' (when/if).

もっと油っこくないメニューはありますか？

Is there a menu item that is less greasy?

Uses 'motto' (more) with the negative form.

この唐揚げは油っこすぎます。

This fried chicken is too greasy.

Uses the suffix '-sugiru' (too much).

油っこい食事は健康に悪いです。

Greasy meals are bad for health.

Standard 'A wa B ni warui' (A is bad for B) pattern.

昨日のピザはとても油っこかった。

Yesterday's pizza was very greasy.

Past tense: aburakkokatta.

油っこい顔を洗いたいです。

I want to wash my oily face.

Modifying 'kao' (face) with 'wash want' form.

野菜を食べて、油っこい味を消します。

I'll eat vegetables to get rid of the greasy taste.

Uses 'te-form' for sequence of actions.

このお肉、油っこくて食べられません。

This meat is so greasy I can't eat it.

Te-form 'aburakkokute' used to show reason.

最近、油っこいものを食べると胃もたれするようになった。

Lately, I've started getting heartburn when I eat greasy food.

Uses 'you ni naru' to show a change in state.

油っこい話はもう聞き飽きたよ。

I'm tired of hearing these 'greasy' (heavy/cloying) stories.

Metaphorical use for 'heavy' or 'insincere' talk.

ここのラーメンは油っこいけれど、癖になる味だ。

The ramen here is greasy, but the taste is addictive.

Uses 'keredo' (although) and 'kuse ni naru' (addictive).

揚げたてじゃないと、どうしても油っこく感じてしまう。

If it's not freshly fried, it inevitably feels greasy.

Uses 'te shimau' to show an unintended result.

油っこい料理には、お茶がよく合います。

Tea goes very well with greasy dishes.

Uses 'ni yoku au' (goes well with).

彼は油っこい性格をしているので、少し苦手です。

He has an 'oily' (pushy/slick) personality, so I'm not a fan.

Metaphorical use for personality.

そんなに油っこいものばかり食べていると、太るよ。

If you eat nothing but greasy things like that, you'll get fat.

Uses 'bakari' (nothing but).

油っこいお皿を洗うのは大変だ。

It's hard work washing greasy plates.

Gerund-like use of 'arai no' (washing).

この店のチャーシューは、見た目ほど油っこくないのが特徴だ。

The characteristic of this shop's chashu is that it's not as greasy as it looks.

Uses 'hodo... nai' (not as... as).

油っこい食べ物を控えることで、肌荒れが改善した。

By cutting back on greasy foods, my skin irritation improved.

Uses 'koto de' to show means/cause.

彼の油っこい演技は、観客の好みが分かれるところだ。

His 'greasy' (over-the-top/heavy) acting is something that divides the audience's taste.

Metaphorical use for performance/acting style.

このドレッシングは油っこすぎて、野菜の味が台無しだ。

This dressing is too oily and ruins the taste of the vegetables.

Uses 'dainashi' (ruined/spoiled).

油っこいものが苦手な方には、こちらの蒸し料理をお勧めします。

For those who aren't fond of greasy food, I recommend these steamed dishes.

Polite recommendation for customers.

夏場は湿気で、肌がいつもより油っこく感じる。

In the summer, the humidity makes my skin feel greasier than usual.

Uses 'itsumo yori' (than usual).

油っこい食事の後は、ウーロン茶ですっきりさせたい。

After a greasy meal, I want to refresh myself with oolong tea.

Uses 'sukkiri saseru' (to make refreshing).

あまりに油っこいので、キッチンペーパーで油を吸い取った。

It was so greasy that I soaked up the oil with paper towels.

Uses 'amari ni... node' (because it was so...).

その小説の文体は、どこか油っこい粘り気を感じさせるものだった。

The style of that novel had a certain 'greasy' stickiness to it.

Abstract literary use describing prose.

脂の乗った寒ブリは絶品だが、人によっては油っこすぎると感じるかもしれない。

Winter yellowtail with plenty of fat is exquisite, but some might find it too greasy.

Uses 'hito ni yotte wa' (depending on the person).

油っこい人間関係に疲れ果て、彼は一人で旅に出ることにした。

Exhausted by 'greasy' (heavy/suffocating) human relationships, he decided to go on a solo trip.

Metaphorical use for social dynamics.

近年の健康志向の高まりにより、油っこいメニューを敬遠する若者が増えている。

Due to the rising health consciousness in recent years, more young people are shunning greasy menu items.

Formal sociological observation.

その政治家の油っこい弁舌は、かえって有権者の不信感を招いた。

The politician's 'oily' (slick/insincere) eloquence actually invited distrust from the voters.

Metaphorical use for speech/eloquence.

調理法を工夫すれば、油っこい素材もさっぱりと仕上げることができる。

By being creative with cooking methods, even greasy ingredients can be finished with a light touch.

Uses 'ba-form' (if) and 'shiageru' (to finish/complete).

油っこい食生活が長く続くと、血管に悪影響を及ぼす恐れがある。

If a greasy diet continues for a long time, there is a risk of harmful effects on the blood vessels.

Uses 'osore ga aru' (there is a risk of).

都会の油っこい空気に馴染めず、彼は故郷の清涼な風を懐かしんだ。

Unable to adjust to the 'greasy' (polluted/heavy) air of the city, he longed for the cool breeze of his hometown.

Poetic/metaphorical use for atmosphere.

バロック様式の建築に見られる、あの油っこいまでの装飾過多は、見る者を圧倒する。

The almost 'greasy' over-decoration seen in Baroque architecture overwhelms the viewer.

High-level aesthetic critique.

彼の文体から立ち上る油っこい情念は、三島由紀夫の初期作品を彷彿とさせる。

The 'greasy' (thick/intense) passion rising from his prose is reminiscent of Yukio Mishima's early works.

Literary comparison and analysis.

グローバル化に伴う食の均質化が、本来の日本食が持っていた「油っこさ」への忌避感を希薄にしている。

The homogenization of food accompanying globalization is diluting the traditional Japanese aversion to 'greasiness.'

Complex cultural/sociological argument.

その役者の、油っこいとも言える過剰な芝居が、かえってリアリズムを浮き彫りにした。

That actor's excessive—one might even say 'greasy'—acting style actually highlighted the realism of the piece.

Nuanced dramatic criticism.

油っこい利権構造が複雑に絡み合ったこの街では、正義を貫くのは容易ではない。

In this city where 'greasy' (corrupt/entrenched) structures of vested interests are complexly intertwined, it is not easy to maintain justice.

Metaphorical use for corruption and power.

中高年層にとって、油っこい食事は単なる嗜好の問題ではなく、生存戦略上のリスク管理の対象である。

For the middle-aged and elderly, a greasy diet is not merely a matter of preference but an object of risk management in their survival strategy.

Academic/Sociological phrasing.

油っこい表現を削ぎ落とし、極限まで簡潔さを求めた彼の詩は、現代詩の新境地を開いた。

By stripping away 'greasy' (superfluous/heavy) expressions and seeking ultimate brevity, his poetry opened a new frontier in modern verse.

Critique of artistic minimalism.

伝統的な日本画の淡泊さと対照的な、西洋油彩画の油っこい質感に、当時の日本人は戸惑いを隠せなかった。

Japanese people of that era could not hide their bewilderment at the 'greasy' texture of Western oil paintings, which stood in contrast to the simplicity of traditional Japanese art.

Historical/Artistic analysis.

Common Collocations

油っこい料理

油っこいラーメン

油っこいものを控える

油っこい味付け

油っこい顔立ち

油っこい揚げ物

油っこい性格

油っこい口当たり

油っこい食事

油っこいお肉

Common Phrases

油っこいのはちょっと...

— A polite way to say 'I'm not really into greasy food' or 'I'd rather avoid it.'

「揚げ物にする？」「うーん、油っこいのはちょっと...」

油っこくて食べられない

— It's so greasy that I literally cannot eat it (or find it too unappetizing).

このお肉、油っこくて食べられないよ。

油っこいものを食べたがる

— To have a craving for greasy food.

疲れると、つい油っこいものを食べたがる。

油っこさを消す

— To neutralize or get rid of the greasiness (often with tea or ginger).

紅ショウガが油っこさを消してくれる。

油っこいのが売り

— The greasiness is the main selling point (often for specific ramen shops).

この店は、その油っこいのが売りなんです。

油っこい話

— A heavy, overly dramatic, or insincere conversation.

朝からそんな油っこい話はしたくない。

油っこい演出

— Over-the-top or 'greasy' stage direction/production.

彼の演出はいつも油っこい。

油っこい肌

— Oily or greasy skin.

夏は肌が油っこくなりやすい。

油っこいメニュー

— Menu items that are heavy in oil.

油っこいメニューばかりで困った。

油っこいソース

— A rich, oily sauce.

この油っこいソースがパスタによく絡む。

Often Confused With

油っこい vs 油っぽい (Aburappoi)

Aburappoi is more about the surface appearance or a slight quality of oil, while aburakkoi is about being saturated with oil.

油っこい vs しつこい (Shitsukoi)

Shitsukoi refers to a taste that won't leave your mouth or a person who won't leave you alone. Aburakkoi is specifically about fat/oil.

油っこい vs こってり (Kotteri)

Kotteri is 'rich' and often positive; aburakkoi is 'greasy' and often negative.

Idioms & Expressions

"油っこい顔"

— Used to describe someone with very strong, thick, or traditionally 'manly' features that feel 'heavy' to look at.

彼は昭和のスターのような油っこい顔をしている。

Informal

"油っこい性格"

— Describes a person who is overly persistent, clingy, or insincerely flattering.

彼の油っこい性格は営業には向いているかもしれない。

Informal

"油っこい芝居"

— Acting that is too intense, exaggerated, or lacking in subtlety.

あの俳優の油っこい芝居は好みが分かれる。

Artistic/Criticism

"油っこい弁舌"

— Slick, smooth-talking, but ultimately insincere or 'oily' speech.

彼の油っこい弁舌に騙されてはいけない。

Literary

"油っこい情念"

— Thick, intense, and often suffocating emotions or passions.

その映画には油っこい情念が渦巻いていた。

Literary

"油っこい付き合い"

— Relationships that are too close, demanding, or 'heavy' socially.

都会の油っこい付き合いに疲れてしまった。

Informal

"油っこいサービス"

— Over-the-top or intrusive customer service that feels 'too much'.

あの店の油っこいサービスは少し苦手だ。

Colloquial

"油っこい文章"

— Prose that is overly flowery, dense, or heavy with metaphors.

彼の書く油っこい文章は読むのに時間がかかる。

Literary

"油っこい空気"

— A heavy, stagnant, or 'oily' atmosphere (often in a crowded city).

満員電車の油っこい空気に酔ってしまった。

Descriptive

"油っこい笑い"

— A slick, insincere, or 'slimy' laugh.

彼の油っこい笑い声が部屋に響いた。

Descriptive

Easily Confused

油っこい vs 脂っこい

It sounds exactly the same (aburakkoi).

It uses the kanji for animal fat (脂) instead of plant oil (油). Use it for meat, and use 油っこい for fried food or general use.

この豚肉は脂っこい。(This pork is fatty.)

油っこい vs ギトギト

Both mean greasy.

Gito-gito is onomatopoeic and much more intense/disgusting. It implies oil is literally dripping off.

揚げ物がギトギトだ。(The fried food is dripping with grease.)

油っこい vs ベタベタ

Both describe oil-related textures.

Beta-beta means 'sticky.' Oil can be sticky, but 'aburakkoi' is about the content, while 'beta-beta' is about the feeling on your hands.

手が油でベタベタする。(My hands are sticky with oil.)

油っこい vs 重い

Both describe food that makes you feel full.

Omoi (heavy) is a general feeling. A large bowl of rice is heavy, but not necessarily greasy (aburakkoi).

このピザは胃に重い。(This pizza is heavy on the stomach.)

油っこい vs 濃厚

Both describe strong flavors.

Noukou means 'rich' or 'dense.' It's usually positive and used for things like chocolate or cream, which aren't 'greasy' in the same way fried food is.

濃厚なチーズケーキ。(A rich cheesecake.)

Sentence Patterns

Noun + は油っこいです。

この肉は油っこいです。

油っこい + Noun + を食べます。

油っこい料理を食べます。

Noun + を食べると、油っこく感じます。

これを食べると、油っこく感じます。

油っこい + Noun + は苦手です。

油っこいラーメンは苦手です。

油っこい + Noun + を控えるようにしています。

油っこい食事を控えるようにしています。

Noun + は見た目ほど油っこくない。

このチャーハンは見た目ほど油っこくない。

油っこい + [Abstract Noun]

油っこい人間関係に疲れた。

油っこいまでの + Noun

油っこいまでの装飾過多。

Word Family

Nouns

油 (Abura - Oil/Grease)

脂 (Abura - Fat/Sebum)

油っこさ (Aburakko-sa - Greasiness/Oiliness)

Verbs

油を引く (Abura o hiku - To grease a pan)

油が乗る (Abura ga noru - To be in season/at one's peak)

油ぎる (Aburagiru - To be unpleasantly oily/greasy)

Adjectives

油っぽい (Aburappoi - Oily-looking)

脂っこい (Aburakkoi - Fatty/Greasy - for meat)

脂質 (Shishitsu - Lipids)

脂肪 (Shibou - Fat)

食用油 (Shokuyouyu - Cooking oil)

胃もたれ (Imotare - Heartburn/Heavy stomach)

胸焼け (Muneyake - Heartburn)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in the context of food, health, and daily sensory descriptions.

Common Mistakes

Using 'aburakkoi da' instead of 'aburakkoi'. → aburakkoi / aburakkoi desu
Aburakkoi is an i-adjective, so it doesn't need 'da' to be grammatically complete in casual speech.
Confusing 'aburakkoi' with 'shitsukoi' for personality. → shitsukoi (usually)
While 'aburakkoi' can describe a personality, 'shitsukoi' is the standard word for someone who is annoyingly persistent.
Writing 'aburakoi' (one 'k'). → aburakkoi (two 'k's)
The small 'tsu' (っ) is vital. It changes the rhythm and the meaning of the word.
Using 'aburakkoi' for a rich chocolate cake. → noukou (rich)
'Aburakkoi' is for oil/grease. For rich sweets, 'noukou' or 'kotteri' is much more appropriate.
Saying 'aburakkoi' for a light salad dressing. → aburappoi (if it just looks oily)
'Aburakkoi' implies a heavy, saturated quality. A light dressing is just 'aburappoi' at most.

Tips

Use it for Fried Foods

The most natural place to use 'aburakkoi' is when eating tempura, karaage, or croquettes that feel a bit heavy.

Health Context

If you are at a doctor's office, use 'aburakkoi' to describe your diet if you eat a lot of fried or fatty foods.

Adverbial Use

Remember to use 'aburakkoku' when modifying verbs, like 'aburakkoku kanjiru' (feels greasy).

Softening Criticism

Add 'sukoshi' (a little) before 'aburakkoi' to make your feedback about a dish sound more polite.

Learn the Suffix

Notice the '-kkoi' suffix. Learning it helps you understand other words like 'shitsukoi' (persistent).

Ramen Culture

In ramen shops, 'aburakkoi' is often used to describe the 'seabura' (pork back fat) toppings.

Aburakkoi vs Kotteri

Use 'aburakkoi' when you feel the oil is a burden, and 'kotteri' when you are enjoying the richness.

Describing Faces

Be careful! Calling someone's face 'aburakkoi' is a strong statement about their features being very bold or oily.

Oily Skin

Use 'aburakkoi' to describe your skin in summer to a pharmacist or beautician.

Kanji Choice

Remember: 油 for vegetable oil (tempura), 脂 for animal fat (steak).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Abura' (Oil) and 'Kkoi' (Koi fish). Imagine a Koi fish swimming in a bowl of thick, greasy oil. It's 'Abura-Koi'!

Visual Association

Visualize a piece of fried chicken glistening under a bright light, with oil dripping onto a paper towel that is already soaked through.

Word Web

Ramen Tempura Greasy Heartburn Fried Rich Fat Heavy

Challenge

Go to a Japanese restaurant menu online and try to identify three dishes that you would describe as 'aburakkoi' and three that are 'assari'.

Word Origin

Derived from the noun 'abura' (油), which has been part of the Japanese language since ancient times to denote oils and fats. The suffix '-kkoi' is a productive adjectival suffix used to indicate a strong, often excessive or unpleasant tendency toward the root noun's quality.

Original meaning: Excessively oily; saturated with fat.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'aburakkoi' to describe a person's appearance, as it implies they look unwashed or have a very heavy, potentially unappealing face.

In English, 'greasy' is almost always negative. In Japanese, 'aburakkoi' is usually negative, but in 'gourmet' contexts, it's a standard descriptive term for certain styles of ramen or meat.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi: Discusses the lack of 'aburakkoi' elements in high-end sushi. Tampopo (Movie): Features scenes where the richness (oiliness) of ramen is debated. Japanese TV Gourmet Shows: Frequently use 'aburakkoi' when describing 'B-kyu gurume' (B-grade/soul food).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Ramen Shop

油っこいのは苦手です。
油っこいスープですね。
油少なめでお願いします。
結構油っこいけど美味しい。

Health Check-up

油っこいものは控えてください。
油っこいものを食べると胃がもたれますか？
最近、油っこい食事が続いています。
油っこい料理は血圧に良くない。

Cooking at Home

これ、油っこくなりすぎた。
油っこさを取るために紙を使う。
油っこくないように焼く。
油っこい料理にはレモンが合う。

Talking about People

彼は油っこい顔をしている。
油っこい性格の人は疲れる。
そんな油っこい話はやめて。
油っこい演技だね。

Skincare

肌が油っこくて困る。
油っこい肌用の洗顔料。
夏は顔が油っこくなる。
油っこいものを食べるとニキビができる。

Conversation Starters

"「このお店の天ぷら、ちょっと油っこいと思わない？」 (Don't you think this shop's tempura is a bit greasy?)"

"「油っこいものとあっさりしたもの、どっちの気分？」 (Are you in the mood for something greasy or something light?)"

"「最近、油っこいものを食べるとすぐに胃もたれしちゃうんだよね。」 (Lately, I get heartburn as soon as I eat greasy food.)"

"「一番油っこいラーメンってどこだと思う？」 (Where do you think the greasiest ramen is?)"

"「油っこい料理に一番合う飲み物は何だと思う？」 (What drink do you think goes best with greasy food?)"

Journal Prompts

今日食べたもので、一番油っこかったものは何ですか？その時の感想を書いてください。 (What was the greasiest thing you ate today? Write your thoughts.)

なぜ多くの人は、体に良くないと分かっていても油っこいものを食べてしまうのでしょうか？ (Why do many people eat greasy things even though they know it's bad for them?)

あなたが知っている、一番「油っこい顔」の有名人は誰ですか？ (Who is the 'greasiest-faced' celebrity you know?)

油っこい料理を食べた後、あなたはどうやって口の中をさっぱりさせますか？ (How do you refresh your mouth after eating greasy food?)

「油っこい性格」の人と上手に付き合うには、どうすればいいと思いますか？ (How do you think one should handle someone with a 'greasy personality'?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. It usually implies that there is too much oil. However, in the world of ramen lovers, a certain level of 'aburakkoi' is expected and even enjoyed, though they might use the word 'kotteri' to be more positive. If someone says 'Kono ramen, aburakkoi ne,' they are usually making a neutral-to-negative observation about the heaviness.

They are pronounced the same. 油 (abura) refers to vegetable oil or oil in general. 脂 (abura) refers to animal fat or sebum. Therefore, use 脂っこい when talking about a fatty steak or bacon, and 油っこい for tempura, potato chips, or general greasiness.

No, that would sound very strange. Japanese people use words like 'kurimi' (creamy) or 'toro-keru' (melting) for healthy fats. 'Aburakkoi' is almost exclusively for 'heavy' fats like lard or frying oil.

You use the negative form 'aburakkonai'. For example, 'Aburakkonai ryouri ga ii desu' (I'd like a dish that isn't greasy).

Yes, but be careful. It's a metaphorical use. It can mean a person has very thick, bold features (aburakkoi kao) or a pushy, overly persistent personality (aburakkoi性格). Both are somewhat critical.

The most common opposites are 'assari' (light/simple) and 'sappari' (refreshing). If you want something that is the total opposite of a greasy burger, you might want a 'sappari' salad.

Extremely common. You will hear it in almost every TV food show in Japan and in daily life whenever people discuss what to eat for lunch or dinner.

Since it's an i-adjective, you change the final 'i' to 'katta'. So, 'aburakkokatta' (It was greasy).

Yes, it can describe skin (aburakkoi hada) or even a 'greasy' atmosphere or way of speaking. However, its primary use is for food.

The '-sa' suffix turns the adjective into a noun. So 'aburakko-sa' means 'the degree of greasiness' or simply 'greasiness'.